Hip replacements are one of the most common joint replacement procedures performed in hospitals today. They are normally performed on individuals who have a history of hip pain due to wear and tear in the hip joint. The hip is a ball and socket joint, the ball being the head of the femur (thigh bone) and the socket being the acetabulum. The ball fits snugly into the socket and is helped kept in place by ligaments, muscles and other structures. However, with the enormous amount of movement available at this joint, it can lead it wear and tear. If the wear and tear in the hip joint becomes quite painful, you may have to get a hip replacement.
There are different types of hip replacement:
- Total hip replacement – This involves a total replacement of the painful and damaged joint structures in the hip which artificial materials. The replacement will consist of a ball, socket and stem.
- Hemi replacement – This is a partial replacement of the hip joint, whereby only the ball (head of femur) is replaced. The new metal ball fits into the original socket of the hip joint.
- Surface replacement – This is another total replacement of the hip, however, some of the bone is spared and not replaced with artificial prosthesis. Normally, the ball is reshaped to fit into the new artificial socket.
After surgery, there is a lot of work to do. Due to pain being present in the hip for some time, the muscles are weak and tight. In order to provide the strength, control and stability that is needed around the hip, a rehabilitation program consisting of exercises and hands on techniques will be needed to get you back to normal. Find more information at The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Hip_Replacement/. This publication contains general information about hip replacement. It describes what a hip replacement is, who should have it, and alternatives to surgery. If surgery is required, it explains what the surgery involves, recovery, and rehabilitation.
If you have further questions contact one of our Chartered Physiotherapists at Archview Physiotherapy Clinic, Dublin 6 and Dublin 14 for a consultation on 01 4913228 or email [email protected].
