The Normal Hip Joint The hip joint is a ball and socket type of joint.
It consists of a round ball (Femoral Head) at the upper end of the thigh bone (Femur) which fits into a cup shaped socket (Acetabulum) of the pelvis.The surfaces in contact are lined by glistening smooth articular cartilage which allows smooth painless movement and cushions weight transmission. The joint is surrounded by the capsule and ligaments which hold it together.
What is Hip Replacement The prosthesis consits of a cup which is fixed into the
damaged acetanulum and a metallic ball which replaces the damaged
head. The ball is connected to a femoral prosthesis which is fixed
inside the femoral shaft.
A Hip Replacement may be cemented or uncemented. In a cemented
hip replacement a polyethylene cup and metallic femoral stem are
fixed to bone by the use of special cement.
In an uncemented hip replacement the cup consists of a metallic
shell with a liner which may be polyethylene, ceramic or metal. The
femoral stem is also metallic. Both the shell and femoral stem have
a special coating which allows it to get fixed to bone without the
use of cement.
Newer Advances in Hip Replacement Newer Materials - like ceramic and metal on metal are aimed at increasing the life of the artificial hip.
New prosthesis - like surface replacement and large ball metal on metal are aimed at better hip function and mobility. Newer Designs - Shorter femoral components such as the Proxima are easier to revise. Computer Assisted Surgery - Use of computers during surgery increase the accuracy of the surgery. A computer assisted tracking device ( based on the same principle as a global positionig system ) is used. Sizing and positioning of the implant is improved. Minimally Invasive Surgery - Conventional Hip Replacement is done through a 14 to 20 cm incision. Minimally invasive Hip Replacement is done through a smaller incision which is approximately half the conventional size. This is a more physiological and less traumatic surgery and results in less pain, less blood loss, less hospital stay. Complications such as infection and dislocation are lower.
More About Hip Replacements How successful is Hip Replacement? - Hip Replacement is an extremely successful surgery and provides the following benefits: a. Relief from pain b. Almost normal movement and function c. Improved quality of life with ability to do normal activities and pastimes. How long does a Hip Replacement last? - A replaced hip can last 15 to 20 years or even longer. Usually for a patient above 60 years, the artificial joint serves them for their lifetime. What are the risks of Hip Replacement? - Today with advances in surgical techniques the risks are minimal. Precautions are taken to minimise complications. Complications that can occur are:
Risks of anaesthesia causing medical problems
Clot formation in veins of leg
Dislocation
Nerve injury
Infection: Infection following a joint replacement is highly
dangerous. It can occur at any time and infection from any part
of the body can spread to the implant. Infection in any part of
the body should be treated promptly.
For surgical procedures like dental work, prophylactic
antibiotics should be taken.
If there is fever, discharge, redness or pain in the wound
contact your doctor immediately.
“I was walking within 24 hours and all my pain is completely gone. I am so glad I came to Dr. Soonawalla in India for this procedure.”
The prosthesis consits of a cup which is fixed into the
damaged acetanulum and a metallic ball which replaces the damaged
head. The ball is connected to a femoral prosthesis which is fixed
inside the femoral shaft.
Conventional Hip Replacement is done through a 14 to 20 cm incision. Minimally invasive Hip Replacement is done through a smaller incision which is approximately half the conventional size. This is a more physiological and less traumatic surgery and results in less pain, less blood loss, less hospital stay. Complications such as infection and dislocation are lower.
