Minimally-Invasive Total Hip Replacement Surgery
Last updated Friday, August 10, 2007
Review of the conditionCharacteristics of minimally-invasive total hip replacement surgery - degenerative joint disease - Osteoarthritis damages the cartilage, the soft
material between the leg bone and the socket, which helps the joint move
easily.
- Patients with osteoarthritis of the hip
frequently experience joint pain and discomfort, stiffness and swelling, which
inhibit their movements, such as walking, stair climbing and prolonged sitting.
Types The most common condition leading a person to seek a hip
replacement is osteoarthritis.
Other conditions include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis – a chronic disorder that
inflames the joints and causes erosion to the cartilage.
- Injuries ‑ such as those experienced in car
accidents, may contribute to one’s likelihood of developing degenerative joint
disease and thus he or she may need a hip replacement
- Autoimmune diseases – such as lupus, where the
immune system attacks the joint cartilage
- Avascular necrosis – a condition where the bone
dies, leading to destruction of cartilage
Similar conditions - Back
problems
- Muscle
strains or bursitis
Physicians can distinguish hip osteoarthritis from other
conditions by performing a careful examination, gathering a complete patient
medical history, and having x-ray(s) taken. A magnetic resonance image (MRI) or
other tests may be needed to confirm diagnosis. Incidence and risk factors Hip arthritis is very common. An estimated 40 million
Americans report having been diagnosed with osteoarthritis; a significant
portion of these people has arthritis in the hip. This statistic has led to more than 250,000
total hip replacements performed in the United States each year. About
two-thirds of patients with hip arthritis may be eligible for the
minimally-invasive hip replacement operation.
People who have a higher risk for hip arthritis or
degenerative joint disease include:
- People who are obese
- Those with a family history of hip problems
- People who have experienced severe hip trauma
- Those with inflammatory conditions or autoimmune
diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
Diagnosis A physician will gather a complete medical history, perform a
careful examination of the patient’s hip and obtain x-rays. If arthritis of the
hip is present, that evaluation will discover it. An MRI (Magnetic Resonance
Imaging) or other studies may be helpful in some cases, but usually are not
needed.Medications Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories,
like ibuprofen, and non-narcotic painkillers, like acetaminophen, may help
alleviate some of the pain associated with hip osteoarthritis/degenerative
joint disease.Exercises For many patients, exercise is a key component to coping
with arthritis. Although exercise cannot
restore worn cartilage, keeping the muscles around an affected joint strong and
flexible can sometimes improve the pain and disability that result from arthritis. A regular program of low-impact, aerobic
exercise should be followed. Good
activities are swimming, water aerobics or cycling to keep your joint
functioning and improve strength and motion.Possible benefits of hip osteoarthritis Hip replacement surgery is a surgical technique to treat
arthritis pain in the hip. The traditional replacement procedure has been
performed for 40 years, but recent advances have made a less-invasive approach
available.
In both surgical approaches, the ball and socket of the hip
joint are replaced. After recovery, most patients report a vast improvement in
their overall quality of life as they are able to resume their activities of
daily life. Many patients are able to regain an active life, enjoy increased
mobility and frequently are free from pain, stiffness and swelling. Some people
report their sleep quality is improved due to a lack pain and discomfort. Surgery for Minimally-Invasive Total Hip Replacement Surgery - degenerative joint disease at the University of Washington If you are interested in making an appointment to discuss this procedure, you can request an appointment using our online referrals website. To request a referral online, please click here. You can also call 206-598-4288 (outside the Seattle area: 800-440-3280) to make an appointment.
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