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Hip Replacement

Hip replacement surgery is becoming more and more common as the population of the world begins to age. Hip replacement surgery is becoming more and more common as the population of the world begins to age.

Osteoarthritis also known as degenerative joint disease is the most common reason patients require hip replacement surgery. The cartilage in the joint starts to break down and the hip simply wears out.

The doctor makes an incision to expose the joint. Once the hip is exposed, the femoral head is dislocated from the acetabulum. The diseased cartilage has to be removed from the acetabulum. This is done by using a special power tool called a reamer. This tool shapes the acetabulum into an exact hemispherical shape. A metal shell with the same hemispherical shape is then attached into the acetabulum. This is done in one of two ways. The first is a cemented type with uses a special type of epoxy cement. The second is an un-cemented type. In this case the shell is held in place by the tightness of the fit and is also perforated by tiny holes. The bone actually grows into these holes and secures the metal shell onto the bone.

The next component is called the liner. And this is made of plastic. It is extremely tough and very slick, since this is where the femoral head will be inserted and will bear the weight of the upper body. The next step is the removal of the femoral head. This is done with a power saw. Then special rasps are used to hollow out the inside of the femur. The new femoral canal is shaped to fit the new metal stem of the femoral implant.

This implant is made of metal and the stem is inserted into the new femoral canal and is held in place with cement forms the new hip joint. The new hip is called prosthesis. The operation usually takes about 2 hours. The hospitalization time is usually about 5-6 days and full recovery takes about 4-6 months.

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