In this Article
Hip Replacement
When Is A Hip Replacement Needed?
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 refers to wear and tear of a joint from oversuse or from aging or from previous injury to the joint. The cartilage surface that normally covers and cushions the ends of the femur and the lining of the acetabulum, begins to wear thin causing the hip bone to rub against the socket. This results the erosion and misshaping of bone tissue. When the hip joint deteriorates, as a result either of arthritis or injury, the resulting pain, stiffness, and limitation of motion can be oppressive.
Early symptoms of osteoarthritis may be controlled through medication and exercise. However, when pain becomes so severe that the individual can no longer be helped with medication and when activities of daily living are significantly reduced, hip replacement surgery may be the next step.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic,
Severe Fractures of the Hip
When a severe fracture of the hip occurs that cannot be reconstructed then a hip replacement will be offered
Avascular Necrosis
Avascular necrosis is the result of a loss of blood supply to the ball or head of the femur bone. As a result, articular cartilage wears away leaving a “bone on bone” interaction for hip joint movement.
Other Reasons
Other abnormalities of the hip joint that could result in a need for a hip replacement include:
- Paget’s disease occurs mainly in the elderly. Bones become enlarged and weakened, with the potential of a fracture or deformity of the hip bones
Malignant bone tumors of the femur, and sometimes benign tumors, may necessitate removal of the part of the femur resulting in the need for a hip replacecment. can alter the shape and congruency of the joint and also disrupt blood supply of the joint, affecting articular cartilage