Arthroplasty or hip replacement is the type of surgery that is used to replace a damaged or deteriorating hip joint with prosthetic parts, so that the joint is once more able to function as it should, and also with reduced or no pain. The term hemiarthroplasty refers to similar surgery during which only one side of the joint is substituted (the term is derived from the Greek particle hemi, which means half). Although the surgery may sound alarming and intrusive, with proper education people may realise that it is not so traumatic, so that hip replacement patients agree: easier than it sounds.
Arthroplasty is used to address several medical conditions. The most usual of these is osteoarthritis in the relevant hip area, and sometimes also rheumatoid arthritis. Ordinary hip injuries or trauma may also require this type of surgery. More specific causes are bone tumors and spondylitis. Generally speaking, impairment of the hip joint or extreme pain may also be alleviated.
There are a number of different types of arthroplasty. They are distinguished by the direction of approach to the affected joint, so there are the anterior, posterior and lateral methods. The fourth method, namely minimally invasive surgery, involves making the smallest possible incision, and to this end the surgeon may deploy sophisticated devices such as computer imaging tools or fluoroscopy.
However, the insertion of the prosthetic parts, by its nature, always necessitates mechanical incision and consequential post-operative recovery. Once again, this may sound dire, but potential patients should keep in mind that the technique has been in use for about 75 years and has undergone significant technological development. Arthroplasty patients should therefore not have undue concerns about the procedure's safety. It is the most performed orthopedic procedure in modern medicine.
The prosthetic components are identical in dimension and function to the body's own versions. The three components involved in the operation are the femoral component, which takes the place of the femur's ball, the acetabular cup, which is inserted into the hip to serve as the socket (acetabulum), and the articular interface, which is the material between the other two parts.
The parts are available in different materials such as ceramics, metal and plastic. Patients should be aware of these options and make an informed choice.
Any operation in hospital elicits feelings of apprehension and unease. However, with an established track record of several decades and different prosthetic options, maybe patients may take heart, and they should therefore not anticipate their surgery with unnecessary pessimism or fear.
Arthroplasty is used to address several medical conditions. The most usual of these is osteoarthritis in the relevant hip area, and sometimes also rheumatoid arthritis. Ordinary hip injuries or trauma may also require this type of surgery. More specific causes are bone tumors and spondylitis. Generally speaking, impairment of the hip joint or extreme pain may also be alleviated.
There are a number of different types of arthroplasty. They are distinguished by the direction of approach to the affected joint, so there are the anterior, posterior and lateral methods. The fourth method, namely minimally invasive surgery, involves making the smallest possible incision, and to this end the surgeon may deploy sophisticated devices such as computer imaging tools or fluoroscopy.
However, the insertion of the prosthetic parts, by its nature, always necessitates mechanical incision and consequential post-operative recovery. Once again, this may sound dire, but potential patients should keep in mind that the technique has been in use for about 75 years and has undergone significant technological development. Arthroplasty patients should therefore not have undue concerns about the procedure's safety. It is the most performed orthopedic procedure in modern medicine.
The prosthetic components are identical in dimension and function to the body's own versions. The three components involved in the operation are the femoral component, which takes the place of the femur's ball, the acetabular cup, which is inserted into the hip to serve as the socket (acetabulum), and the articular interface, which is the material between the other two parts.
The parts are available in different materials such as ceramics, metal and plastic. Patients should be aware of these options and make an informed choice.
Any operation in hospital elicits feelings of apprehension and unease. However, with an established track record of several decades and different prosthetic options, maybe patients may take heart, and they should therefore not anticipate their surgery with unnecessary pessimism or fear.
About the Author:
Neil P. Hines is passionate about providing intelligent, unbiased and highly relevant medical information for people dealing with a wide range of pain conditions and related orthopedic needs, including back pain, knee pain, joint replacements, sports medicine, lumbar fusion and more. If you are interested in learning more about orthopedic hand specialist Bucks County he recommends that you visit his friends at St. Mary Medical Center.
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