A total hip replacement done right requires an orthopedic surgical specialist like Dr. Vineet Shah, Dr. Alfred Bonjean and Dr. Judson Wood, Jr. with the Methodist Physician Group Orthopedic and Spine Center in Merrillville, Indiana. This is a life-changing procedure for those suffering from chronic pain, but only if done correctly.
The hip is the ball and socket joint that allows the legs to move, but a lifetime of wear and tear can take its toll on this crucial joint. During a hip arthroplasty or hip replacement surgery, orthopedic surgeons like Dr. Shah, Dr. Bonjean or Dr. Wood, remove the damaged or diseased joint and replace it with an artificial one.
It depends on the model and design, but they’re generally constructed from metal, ceramic or hard plastic. The implant itself will have two parts to it:
The acetabular cup replaces the acetabulum or hip socket. The femoral component is the "ball" section that fits into the thigh bone to secure the joint. Each one is critical, so proper selection of the prosthesis is essential.
The most common reason is osteoarthritis. This is the wear and tear that happens to a joint after years of use. Another possible problem is rheumatoid arthritis, which involves an overactive immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis leads to inflammation of the joint that erodes the cartilage and bone that hold it together. Osteonecrosis is a less common affliction associated with hip replacements – a lack of blood circulating to the joint tissue causes collapse and deformity.
Many people suffer from hip joint pain, especially as they get older, but not all of them get total hip replacements. It’s an option that should be taken into consideration if the patient experiences:
That’s true with any surgery, but some key problems to consider with this procedure include:
These potential risks are why it’s so important to see an orthopedic surgical specialist like the ones at the Methodist Physician Group Orthopedic and Spine Center. A skilled surgeon will take steps to prevent complications.
