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Hip arthritis is a common ailment that affects many Americans. After exhausting nonsurgical treatments without relief, many decide to have joint replacement surgery of the hip or knee to achieve and maintain an active lifestyle.
David Rubins, MD, BSME, FAAOS, orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip, knee, and shoulder replacements at Manatee Memorial Hospital, provides important information about hip replacement surgery and the benefits to patients.
What makes someone a good candidate for hip replacement surgery?
Individuals may be a good candidate for hip replacement surgery if they have hip pain that:
• Persists, despite pain medication, anti-inflamma-tory medications, physical therapy, or weight loss.
• Worsens with walking, even with the use of a cane or walker.
• Interferes with sleep.
• Persists in the groin or frontal thigh.
• Interferes with getting dressed.
What conditions can damage the hip joints?
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteonecrosis
Can someone of any age have a hip replacement?
When hip pain begins to interfere with activities and hobbies you enjoy, it makes sense to seek out an orthopedic surgeon who can help determine the available options. Hip replacements in younger patients have increased over the past 10 to 15 years, as the technology has advanced.
What are the types of hip replacement surgeries?
Traditional hip replacement involves making an incision on the side of the hip (lateral approach) or the back of the hip (posterior approach). Both techniques involve detachment of muscles and tendons from the hip in order to replace the joint.
Direct anterior hip replacement is a minimally invasive surgical technique. This approach involves a three- to four-inch incision on the front of the hip that allows the joint to be replaced by moving muscles aside along their natural tissue planes, without detaching any tendons. This approach often results in quicker recovery, less pain, and more normal function after hip replacement. Because the tendons aren’t detached from the hip during direct anterior hip replacement, hip precautions are typically not necessary. This allows patients to return to normal daily activities shortly after surgery with a reduced risk of dislocation.
Do patients go through physical therapy following surgery?
Many patients go home either the same day or the day after their joint replacement surgeries. Rehabilitation follows, and places great emphasis on functionality and post-hospital care. Some patients may need to go to a skilled nursing facility before they are ready to return home or may need to use home health services for additional assistance. Many patients progress from these services to outpatient physical therapy. The interdisciplinary healthcare team will help direct your plan for discharge.
Hip replacement surgery has come a long way since its beginnings, with advances improving both its safety and longevity. As technology continues to evolve, the future of hip replacements holds promise for even better outcomes, providing relief and improved quality of life for those suffering from debilitating hip joint conditions.
Manatee Memorial Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Total Hip and Knee Replacement Certifications for a second time by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards.
For more information on orthopedic surgery, visit manateememorial.com/ortho.
To make an appointment with a physician, call the Physician Referral Service at 941-708-8100.
