Hip Replacement

HIP OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis, also known as “wear and tear” osteoarthritis, is a common disease in middle-aged people. Osteoarthritis often affects the hip joint. The development of the disease is slow and the pain worsens over time. Although there is no cure, there are many treatment options available to help control pain, stay active, and lead a fulfilling life.

WHAT IS HIP OSTEOARTHRITIS?

Osteoarthritis is the most common degenerative disease of the hip. The hip joint is made up of a ball (the head of the femur) and a socket in the pelvis. A healthy hip moves without difficulty, thanks to a soft and slippery tissue called articular cartilage, which covers, protects and cushions the contact of the hip bones. Osteoarthritis wears away this cartilage.

HOW IS IT PRESENTED?

Osteoarthritis occurs over time. As cartilage wears away, it deteriorates and becomes rough. Movement of the bones on this exposed surface is painful. When the cartilage wears away completely, the bones rub against each other. And, to compensate for the loss of cartilage, damaged bones can begin to grow and form painful spurs.

SYMPTOMS

Pain is the most common symptom of hip osteoarthritis. It can cause you to limp when you put your weight on that leg. You may also feel stiff in the hip and have trouble moving. Symptoms tend to be worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity.

WHAT CAUSES HIP OSTEOARTHRITIS?

Several factors increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

AGE

Cartilage’s ability to repair itself can decline with age. Hip osteoarthritis usually affects older adults.

WEIGHT

The greater your weight, the greater the weight supported by your hip joints.

INJURIES

A previous injury to the hip, such as in the case of an accident, can cause osteoarthritis in the future.

OTHER DISEASES

Some diseases increase the risk of osteoarthritis, such as septic arthritis, sickle cell disease, and lupus

IS IT BETTER TO MAKE AN EARLY DIAGNOSIS?

Because osteoarthritis worsens over time, the sooner you start treatment, the better the outcome. Your doctor may order x-rays to confirm the presence of osteoarthritis.

Healthy cartilage is seen as a gap that prevents contact of the femoral head with the hip socket. X-rays show if damage to the cartilage has narrowed this space. They also show if you have dewclaws.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON OPTIONS?

Your doctor will develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve pain and reduce joint stiffness.

CHANGES IN LIFESTYLE

If the pain does not interfere with your daily life, your doctor may recommend that you first make some lifestyle changes to protect your joints and slow the progression of the disease.

Exercise: If you regularly do high-impact exercises (such as running or competitive sports), you can decrease stress on your hip by substituting low-impact exercises. Walking, bicycling, and swimming are good low-impact activity options.

Weight loss: If you are overweight, losing just a few pounds can make a big difference in the level of stress on your hip joint.

Physical therapy: Specific exercises can improve the range of motion of your hip and strengthen the muscles in your leg that support the joint. Assistive devices, such as a cane or shoe inserts, also help take stress off the joint. Also, your therapist can teach you how to use ice and heat treatments to control pain.

MEDICINES

If your pain affects your daily routine, or is not relieved by the initial methods, your doctor may incorporate medication into your treatment plan.

Acetaminophen: Although it does not reduce swelling, acetaminophen can relieve mild pain with few side effects.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs: Drugs such as Aspirin and Ibuprofen reduce pain and swelling.

Dietary supplements: Some over-the-counter supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, may relieve pain in some people. Talk to your doctor before using supplements.

Plasma Rich in Growth Factors: New treatment that is achieving very good results.

SURGERY

Your doctor may consider surgery if your pain worsens and is disabling.

Arthroscopy: This procedure may be used to remove spurs or small pieces of detached cartilage, or to smooth the surface of worn cartilage.

Osteotomy: A cut is made in the ball of the femur or in the hip socket to realign it and take pressure off the hip joint.

Joint Replacement: Hip replacement can be total or partial. The entire hip joint or damaged parts are removed and replaced with an artificial device (joint prosthesis)

Total hip Replacement

Hip Resurfacing