Bones/Joints And Sports Injuries

Nearly nine out of ten people with back pain will recover without treatment within the first month. Treatment depends on the condition that is causing the pain. Some of the conventional treatments that have long been used to treat back pain – including traction, corsets, and electrical stimulation – are now accepted to be generally […]

Here are some reliable sources that can provide more information on hip replacement: Associations And Web Sites American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons  Phone: 847/823-7186 Phone: 800/346-2267 http://www.aaos.org American Physical Therapy Association  Phone: 800/999-APTA (2782) http://www.apta.org Arthritis Foundation  Phone: 404/872-7100 Phone: 800/283-7800  http://www.arthritis.org American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals  Phone: 404/633-3777 Fax: 404/633-1870 http://www.rheumatology.org

A hip replacement  is a surgical procedure that replaces the painful hip joint with an artificial hip joint. In a hip replacement, the head of the femur (the bone that extends from the hip to the knee) is removed along with the surface layer of the socket in which it rests (called the acetabulum). The head

Hip replacement can benefit individuals suffering from a variety of hip problems resulting from either wear and tear from a lifetime of activity or from disease and injury. Some of the common hip problems leading to a hip replacement are: Osteoarthritis Rheumatoid arthritis Traumatic arthritis Avascular necrosis Other reasons Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis refers to wear and

A complete history and physical examination allows the physician to determine any correlation between symptoms of pain with past history and demands that have been placed upon the hip. The physician will inquire about experiencing episodes of trauma or instability, and examine the ligaments and hip alignment. X-rays are used to determine the extent of degeneration to the

Preparing for a total hip replacement often begins several weeks prior to the actual surgery. Emphasis is placed upon the individual maintaining good physical health before the operation. Upper body strength becomes important for the ability to use a walker or crutches after the operation. Before surgery the person will be scheduled for an appointment

During surgery, once the hip joint is exposed, the head and neck of the femur are removed. The shaft of the femur is then reamed to accept the metal component consisting of the head, neck, and stem. The acetabulum is then reamed to accept a plastic cup. The ball and socket are then replaced into

As with all major surgical procedures, complications can occur. Some of the most common complications following hip replacement are: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) Infection Dislocation Loosening Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) DVT can occur after any operation, but is more likely to occur following surgery on the hip, pelvis, or knee. Thrombosis occurs when the blood

Postoperative care begins with a team of heath professionals within the hospital. Those closely involved with the postoperative total hip patient are: Nurses Respiratory Therapists Physical Therapists Occupational Therapists The Nursing Staff After surgery, vital signs and sensation in the lower extremities are observed and checked by the nursing staff and documented for the physician.

General rules of total hip replacement that the patient needs to follow are: In the first six to eight weeks after the operation, the individual receiving a total hip needs to avoid bending the hip beyond 90 degrees. This can be achieved by keeping knees below the hips when sitting. Sitting on a small pillow

In general, most individuals after hip surgery are discharged after 4 to 10 days providing there are no complications and particularly if there are family members to assist with daily activities. In some cases, the social service department at the hospital will find a temporary nursing home or intermediate stay facility until returning home is

New technology involving the implants for artificial hip replacement and advances in surgical techniques has improved the immediate and long-term outcome of the surgery. Generally today’s artificial hips can last a lifetime. However, if the person is very young, the plastic can wear out. Fortunately, with the new socket implants for the pelvis, the socket