Type of Surgery
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Last updated: 11/24/2009
Normal results are relief of chronic pain, greater ease of movement, and much improved quality of life. Specific areas of improvement depend on a number of factors, including the patient's age, weight, and previous level of activity; the disease or...
disorder that caused the pain; the type of prosthesis; and the patient's attitude toward recovery. In general, total hip replacement is considered one of the most successful procedures in modern surgery.
It is difficult to estimate the "normal" lifespan of a hip prosthesis. The figure quoted by many surgeons—10 to 15 years—is based on statistics from the early 1990s. It is too soon to tell how much longer the newer prostheses will last. In addition, as hip replacements become more common, the increased size of the worldwide patient database will allow for more accurate predictions. As of 2002, it is known that younger patients and obese patients wear out hip prostheses more rapidly.
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This detailed 3D animation provides a step-by-step explanation of how a hip replacement is performed. It shows each step from initial incision, through leg alignment and adjustment, to final suture closure.
In a hip replacement, the upper leg bone, or femur, is separated from the hip socket, and the damaged head is removed (A). A reamer is used to prepare the socket for the prosthesis (B). A file is used to create a tunnel in the femur for the prosthesis (C). The hip and socket prostheses are cemented in place (D), and finally connected (E). (Illustration by Argosy.)
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Other Information
Hip replacement, also hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the hip joint is replaced by a prosthetic implant. Such joint replacement orthopaedic surgery generally is conducted to relieve arthritis pain or fix severe physical joint damage as part of the hip fracture treatment.
Other Information
Orthopedic complaints are the most common reason to seek medical care.
From: About.com
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