|
|
A painful, stiff hip can keep you from doing the simple things in
life. Replacement of the hip using advanced surgical techniques and materials is a safe,
reliable procedure that can relieve your pain and stiffness and return you to most of the
activities you enjoy.Hip pain and stiffness often result
from osteoarthritis (the breakdown of cartilage in your joints), which make your hipbones
grate painfully together. Other hip problems include rheumatoid arthritis, injury,
(post-traumatic arthritis) and loss of blood supply to the bones of your hip (avascular
necrosis).
|
|
Normal Hip |
Arthritic Hip |
Technical advances have given us new materials to replace your
problem hip with a prosthesis (artificial hip joint). Like your own hip, your
prosthesis is made up of a ball and socket that fit together to form a joint.
Various types of high-grade surgical metal alloys used in combination with special plastic
weight-bearing surfaces are either cemented or "press-fit" into place,
reproducing a smooth articulating joint. Either component may be inserted into the
socket (acetabulum) or thighbone (femur) with a porous surface allowing the surrounding
bone to grow into and around the prosthesis. Various anatomic factors determine
which is the most appropriate design for each patient on an individual basis.
Like a healthy hip, your prosthesis has smooth gliding surfaces
that allow you to move easily without pain. Unlike a healthy hip, however, your
prosthesis has a limited safe range of motion, and will need your special care after
surgery.
|
