Pre-Surgery
Many people with arthritic conditions manage their discomfort with
non-surgical treatments including proper medication, physical therapy,
exercise, rest, and joint protection. If these conservative care methods
do not seem to go far enough, surgery is the next option.
Pain relief is the most reliable potential benefit and often, the
major reason for surgery. For most people, hip replacement surgery also
offers better movement, strength, and coordination of the torso and leg.
Another benefit is an improvement in the appearance of the limb. Most
people who develop a limp in order to cope with the pain of an arthritic
condition will no longer limp after surgery. Hip replacement surgery may
mean the difference between having to use a walker or cane and being
able to walk, climb stairs, and maintain a relatively active and
independent life.
Surgery is performed by means of open incision. A typical operation
may take 1 to several hours. The diseased ball end of the thighbone (the
femur) is removed so that the socket can be seen. The bony socket is
fashioned to contain a new metal, ceramic or plastic socket. This prosthesis
is usually made of medical grade plastic and is the bearing surface.
Titanium or cobalt chromium alloy are metals commonly used in prostheses
for joints in the body.
The femur is subsequently prepared for the stem and a smooth ball is
attached. The ball is then placed in the socket and the surgery is
finished. A bone cement may be used for either or both stem and socket.
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