When might I need a hip replacement?
You may need a hip replacement if you sustain a severe fracture or develop a condition called avascular necrosis that destroys the bone. But advanced joint damage due to arthritis is the primary reason most patients seek a hip replacement.
Though several types of arthritis may affect your hip, osteoarthritis is by far the most common type. Osteoarthritis develops as the cartilage covering the bones begins to break down. Over the years, cartilage progressively wears away, bone damage occurs, and inflammation develops.
Advanced arthritis causes significant joint damage, chronic pain and makes daily movement difficult, if not impossible. At that stage, hip replacement is the only treatment option.
How is hip replacement surgery performed?
Your ROC Orthopedics provider removes the rounded top of your leg bone during your surgery and replaces it with a metal prosthetic ball. The replacement consists of a stem that your provider places through the center of your thigh bone. Then, they attach the ball to the stem.
Your provider removes damaged tissues in the socket of your hip joint and reshapes the area. Then they implant a metal shell and insert a cup-shaped liner. The liner, usually made from plastic or ceramic, allows smooth movement between the hip and leg.
Lastly, your provider places the prosthetic ball into the new socket and closes the incision. If you qualify, you may have outpatient surgery, and your recovery is shorter.
What differs between anterior and posterior hip replacements?
Anterior and posterior refer to the location of your incision. If you get hip replacement surgery using the anterior approach, your provider makes the incision at the front of your hip. For a posterior approach, your provider makes the incision behind the hip joint, along the buttocks.
Your provider explains the difference between the two types of surgery and recommends the best approach for your condition and overall health.
If you have chronic hip pain, call ROC Orthopedics or schedule an appointment online today.
