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 various reasons why medical practitioners decide to perform an arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty. Usually, they do so on the basis of osteoarthritis in the hip. Rheumatoid arthritis is also a possible reason, as is arthritis occasioned by mechanical injury or excessive strain. Another application of the technique is pain relief or reduction, where the joint is causing substantial and ongoing pain or does not function adequately any more.
There are a number of different types of arthroplasty. They are distinguished by the direction of approach to the affected joint, so there are the anterior, posterior and lateral methods. The fourth method, namely minimally invasive surgery, involves making the smallest possible incision, and to this end the surgeon may deploy sophisticated devices such as computer imaging tools or fluoroscopy.
The different variations are named after the direction of incision used to access the targeted hip. They are therefore self-explanatory: anterior (from the front), posterior (from the back) and lateral (from the side). The exception is the minimally invasive approach, which attempts to utilise the smallest possible incision, but the installation of the artificial parts is then harder to accomplish successfully, and the surgeon using this approach may require the assistance of more advanced equipment, such as computer imaging or intraoperative X-rays.
The prosthetic parts are shaped like the natural ball and socket structure in the joint. These parts are the femoral component, the acetabular cup and the articular interface. The femoral component is attached to the femur's head and substitutes it in the joint, while the acetabular cup is used to line the socket (acetabulum) in the hip. The articular interface facilitates the joint between the other two parts.
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 various reasons why medical practitioners decide to perform an arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty. Usually, they do so on the basis of osteoarthritis in the hip. Rheumatoid arthritis is also a possible reason, as is arthritis occasioned by mechanical injury or excessive strain. Another application of the technique is pain relief or reduction, where the joint is causing substantial and ongoing pain or does not function adequately any more.
There are a number of different types of arthroplasty. They are distinguished by the direction of approach to the affected joint, so there are the anterior, posterior and lateral methods. The fourth method, namely minimally invasive surgery, involves making the smallest possible incision, and to this end the surgeon may deploy sophisticated devices such as computer imaging tools or fluoroscopy.
The different variations are named after the direction of incision used to access the targeted hip. They are therefore self-explanatory: anterior (from the front), posterior (from the back) and lateral (from the side). The exception is the minimally invasive approach, which attempts to utilise the smallest possible incision, but the installation of the artificial parts is then harder to accomplish successfully, and the surgeon using this approach may require the assistance of more advanced equipment, such as computer imaging or intraoperative X-rays.
The prosthetic parts are shaped like the natural ball and socket structure in the joint. These parts are the femoral component, the acetabular cup and the articular interface. The femoral component is attached to the femur's head and substitutes it in the joint, while the acetabular cup is used to line the socket (acetabulum) in the hip. The articular interface facilitates the joint between the other two parts.
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 orthopedic hand specialist Bucks County he recommends that you visit his friends at St. Mary Medical Center.
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