What is a hip replacement?
A hip replacement is a surgery that removes the damaged portions of your hip and replaces them with artificial parts (prosthetics). The metal or plastic prosthetics function exactly like your natural hip joint, restoring your hip’s strength and function.
After a careful exam, including X-rays and other imaging procedures, the orthopedic specialists at Hudson Valley Bone & Joint Surgeons determine which hip replacement surgery is right for you.
Who needs a hip replacement?
Your orthopedic surgeon could recommend a hip replacement if your hip joint is damaged beyond repair. Hip replacement is a common treatment for several musculoskeletal conditions, including:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, develops when the cartilage protecting your joints breaks down, causing bone to rub against bone.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It causes widespread joint inflammation. It commonly develops in the hands, wrists, elbows, and hips but can affect other joints.
Traumatic arthritis
Traumatic arthritis is caused by an injury to the cartilage in your hip.
Osteonecrosis
Osteonecrosis happens when the rounded portion of the hip doesn’t receive a steady blood supply, causing the bone tissue to die. A severe dislocation or fracture can lead to osteonecrosis without early intervention.
What kinds of hip replacements are there?
How the team replaces your hip joint will depend on the condition you suffer from and how severe it is. Common hip replacements the team offers include:
Anterior hip replacement
Replacing the hip joint through the anterior approach allows the team to do the procedure through small incisions. The surgeon typically makes the incision near the front of the hip, causing less pain and muscle damage and allowing a shorter recovery than when the incision is made through the side of the hip.
Minimally invasive posterior hip replacement
During a minimally invasive posterior hip replacement, the team makes a small incision in the outer buttock and separates the muscles to replace the joint.
Gender-specific knee replacement
The hips and lower extremities work together to help you stand, walk, and run comfortably. If you have hip damage, you could also suffer from chronic knee pain. A gender-specific knee replacement tailors your artificial knee to your gender. Since the knee’s anatomy is slightly different in men and women, a gender-specific prosthetic allows for optimal function.
To learn more about hip replacement, call Hudson Valley Bone & Joint Surgeons, LLP today or book an appointment online.
