Is There An Alternative to Hip Replacement?
October 7, 2010 by Eric
Filed under Joint Pain Causes
We strive to pursue all possible options available to maintain ourselves and even cure our ills and pains. We make a concerted effort to stay healthy through the judicious use of natural supplements. We try to maintain a healthy weight through proper diet, and by exercise. We do all we can to protect ourselves when participating in sports or work related activities. Unfortunately, accidents, repeated trauma, and diseases like arthritis contribute to the eventual deterioration of our bodies. So after decades suffering from hip joint problems, and if symptoms can no longer be controlled by the methods we talk about on this site, there may be no other alternative.
Total Hip Replacement has traditionally been the only option for people at this point. For the past few years, however, there has been something new on the horizon. Hip Resurfacing, it is a procedure where two metal parts are attached, one is a cap over the ball of the femur and the other piece glued into the pelvic socket. These parts are made from cobalt chrome, an alloy, which is well tolerated by the body. The result is no longer grinding of bone on bone. These metal on metal joints are significantly more wear resistant than the metal to plastic ones used in the past, allowing for a better range in motion, and restoring much more mobility, translating into less restrictions on lifestyle than the total hip replacement procedures.
Since the procedure allows for the preservation of vital bone, fast recovery is increased; allowing folks to walk the day after surgery with no support. Additionally, the approximately one and a half hour surgery is not much more costly than traditional hip replacement and allows for discharge as early as within five days of surgery. Imagine being able to cure your hip joint problems, and once again go dancing, swimming and even jogging.
Unfortunately, hip resurfacing may not work for everyone; patients with osteoarthritis who still have good bone quality are the ideal candidates.
A Summary of The Benefits:
- Since the ball used is very much like your natural one, there are bio mechanical advantages for the movement of the hip.
- Normal range of hip movements are maintained.
- Reduced chances for dislocation.
- Improved durability.
- Quick recovery.
- Ability to maintain or return to an active lifestyle, including sports.
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- Eric
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
-World Health Organization, 1948
