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.
The technique itself has variations, depending on the angle of approach to the affected joint, but because it entails the physical installation of prosthetic parts it always involves incision and the concomitant recovery. Despite its seemingly painful nature, however, the surgery is not always accompanied by substantial pain during the post-operative period. Arthroplasty has been performed since the first half of the twentieth century and has been refined significantly over time. It is, at this time, the most common form of orthopedic surgery, so patients may be reassured by these facts.
Of course, because the operation is performed to install prosthetic parts, incision and removal of tissue is unavoidable, and so is post-operative recovery. This prospect typically causes a negative emotional reaction in patients prior to surgery, but it should be borne in mind that arthroplasty is the most common orthopedic intervention today. It has been part of medical practice since the 1940s, and it is performed to the same technological standards as other operations.
The prosthetic parts resemble the body's natural parts, both in shape and function. There are three: the acetabular cup, which mimics the acetabulum (hip socket), the femoral component, which replaces the femoral head (the head at the top of the thigh bone), and the articular interface, which eases the contact between the other two parts, thereby recreating the hip joint prosthetically.
The parts are available in different materials such as ceramics, metal and plastic. Patients should be aware of these options and make an informed choice.
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.
The technique itself has variations, depending on the angle of approach to the affected joint, but because it entails the physical installation of prosthetic parts it always involves incision and the concomitant recovery. Despite its seemingly painful nature, however, the surgery is not always accompanied by substantial pain during the post-operative period. Arthroplasty has been performed since the first half of the twentieth century and has been refined significantly over time. It is, at this time, the most common form of orthopedic surgery, so patients may be reassured by these facts.
Of course, because the operation is performed to install prosthetic parts, incision and removal of tissue is unavoidable, and so is post-operative recovery. This prospect typically causes a negative emotional reaction in patients prior to surgery, but it should be borne in mind that arthroplasty is the most common orthopedic intervention today. It has been part of medical practice since the 1940s, and it is performed to the same technological standards as other operations.
The prosthetic parts resemble the body's natural parts, both in shape and function. There are three: the acetabular cup, which mimics the acetabulum (hip socket), the femoral component, which replaces the femoral head (the head at the top of the thigh bone), and the articular interface, which eases the contact between the other two parts, thereby recreating the hip joint prosthetically.
The parts are available in different materials such as ceramics, metal and plastic. Patients should be aware of these options and make an informed choice.
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 joint replacement Philadelphia he recommends that you visit his friends at St. Mary Medical Center.
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