Common Causes of Hip Pain
- Osteoarthritis. This is an age-related wear and tear type of arthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Post Traumatic arthritis. This can follow a serious hip injury or fracture.
- Osteonecrosis(Avascular Necrosis). Dislocation, neglected fracture, self medication with steroid tablets, alcohol consumption may limit the blood supply to the femoral head.
- Childhood hip disease.
In a total hip replacement (also called total hip arthroplasty), the damaged bone and cartilage is removed and replaced with prosthetic components.
Procedure Overview
- 1. The damaged femoral head is removed and replaced with a metal stem that is placed into the hollow center of the femur. The femoral stem may be either cemented or “press fit” into the bone.
- 2. A metal or ceramic ball is placed on the upper part of the stem. This ball replaces the damaged femoral head that was removed.
- 3. The damaged cartilage surface of the socket (acetabulum) is removed and replaced with a metal socket. Screws or cement are sometimes used to hold the socket in place.
- 4.A plastic, ceramic, or metal spacer is inserted between the new ball and the socket to allow for a smooth gliding surface.
(Left) The individual components of a total hip replacement. (Center) The components merged into an implant. (Right) The implant as it fits into the hip.
Types of Material Used
CERAMIC ON CERAMIC (COC)
CERAMIC ON POLY (COP)
METAL ON POLY (MOP)
When Surgery Is Recommended
- Pain that limits everyday activities, such as walking or bending
- Pain that continues while resting, either day or night.
- Stiffness in a hip that limits the ability to move or lift the leg
- Inadequate pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy or walking supports
Candidates for Surgery
- There are no absolute age or weight restrictions for total hip replacements.
- Recommendations for surgery are based on a patient’s pain and disability, not age.
- Most patients who undergo total hip replacement are age 50 to 80.
- Total hip replacements have been performed successfully at all ages, from the young teenager with juvenile arthritis to the elderly patient with degenerative arthritis.
The Orthopaedic Evaluation
- Medical history. information about your general health and how it affects your ability to perform everyday activities.
- Physical examination. This will assess hip mobility, strength and alignment.
- X-rays. These images help to determine the extent of damage or deformity in your hip.
- Other tests. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan, may be needed to determine the condition of the bone and soft tissues of hip.
Post Surgery Activity
- Exercise is a critical component of home care, particularly during the first few weeks after surgery.
- You should be able to resume most normal light activities of daily living within 3 to 6 weeks following surgery.
- Some discomfort with activity and at night is common for several weeks.
Your activity program should include:
- A graduated walking program — initially in your home and later outside — to slowly increase your mobility,
- Resuming other normal household activities, such as sitting, standing and climbing stairs
- Specific exercises several times a day to restore movement and strengthen your hip. You probably will be able to perform the exercises without help, but you may have a physical therapist help you at home or in a therapy center the first few weeks after surgery.
Dr. Sanjeed Pujary
Consultant Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), F.I.H.K.A,
Knee & Hip replacement surgeon, Trauma Surgeon
Over 10+ years of expertise in Total Hip Replacement surgeries in Mumbai.