Arthroplasty or hip substitution is the medical term used to refer to the surgical replacement of a defective hip joint with a prosthesis. The joint may not be functioning properly any more, or it may be the source of intolerable pain. The associated term hemiarthroplasty refers to a partial substitution entailing the replacement of only one facet of the joint (either the ball or socket, but not both). Hemi is a Greek prefix meaning half, as in hemisphere. The name and description of the procedure may evoke fear or reluctance. However, by assessing appropriate information, people may reassure themselves as to the operation's nature, and then possibly hip replacement patients agree: easier than it sounds.
There are several reasons why an arthroplasty is prescribed. The most common is the presence of osteoarthritis in the hip joint or hip area. Other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or arthritis caused by external trauma, are also treated by the procedure. In addition to these, spondylitis and bone tumors may necessitate substitution of the joint, either partially or entirely.
There are more than one method of performing the surgery, differentiated primarily according to how the surgeon accesses the hip joint. So, there are the lateral (side-on), anterior (frontal) and posterior (from the rear) method. The last one, which is known as the minimally invasive technique, simply entails the attempt to effect the smallest possible incision. It is more difficult to perform than the others, so it may involve the use of supplementary imaging equipment.
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 parts are shaped like the natural ball and socket structure in the joint. These parts are the femoral component, the acetabular cup and the articular interface. The femoral component is attached to the femur's head and substitutes it in the joint, while the acetabular cup is used to line the socket (acetabulum) in the hip. The articular interface facilitates the joint between the other two parts.
The prostheses are made in a selection of materials at present. Patients should obtain information on each material in order to choose the most sensible one for their particular situation. They thereby empower themselves in their own treatment.
Surgery in hospital is traditionally approached with gritted teeth and psychological tension. Arthroplasty is obviously no different. Be that as it may, the procedure is an old one and, armed with the right information, patients should therefore take tall strides through the process of treatment and recovery.
There are several reasons why an arthroplasty is prescribed. The most common is the presence of osteoarthritis in the hip joint or hip area. Other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or arthritis caused by external trauma, are also treated by the procedure. In addition to these, spondylitis and bone tumors may necessitate substitution of the joint, either partially or entirely.
There are more than one method of performing the surgery, differentiated primarily according to how the surgeon accesses the hip joint. So, there are the lateral (side-on), anterior (frontal) and posterior (from the rear) method. The last one, which is known as the minimally invasive technique, simply entails the attempt to effect the smallest possible incision. It is more difficult to perform than the others, so it may involve the use of supplementary imaging equipment.
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 parts are shaped like the natural ball and socket structure in the joint. These parts are the femoral component, the acetabular cup and the articular interface. The femoral component is attached to the femur's head and substitutes it in the joint, while the acetabular cup is used to line the socket (acetabulum) in the hip. The articular interface facilitates the joint between the other two parts.
The prostheses are made in a selection of materials at present. Patients should obtain information on each material in order to choose the most sensible one for their particular situation. They thereby empower themselves in their own treatment.
Surgery in hospital is traditionally approached with gritted teeth and psychological tension. Arthroplasty is obviously no different. Be that as it may, the procedure is an old one and, armed with the right information, patients should therefore take tall strides through the process of treatment and recovery.
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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