People are living longer these days – and after one successful hip replacement, a second may be required so that the patient may continue to enjoy the quality of life and mobility that the first hip replacement afforded to him or her.
Hip replacement surgery increases the mobility of a patient who is suffering from a degenerative or injured hip joint. This surgery also helps to decrease the pain.
Why Do I Need Hip Replacement Surgery?
Osteoarthritis – also called simply “arthritis” because it is the most common form of arthritis – is the most frequent reason for hip replacement surgery. Arthritis is becoming more and more common as people live longer and continue to engage in active lifestyles.
Without medical intervention, an arthritis patient will experience bone-on-bone scraping – and this can cause pain and swelling, which can develop into disability. Hip joints are replaced when they become so damaged that pain and discomfort are a continuous issue.
A surgeon will replace the diseased and painful joint, or the damaged section of the joint, with a prosthesis. This should help to alleviate the pain and bring back mobility.
Reasons a New Hip Wears Down
Before surgery, patients naturally want to know how long the prosthesis will last, and whether they may eventually require a second surgery – also called “revision surgery.” The answer is dependent upon a number of factors.
As with natural joints, wear-and-tear is a determining factor regarding the length of time a prosthetic is likely to last. The more active you are, the more your prosthetic hip will experience wear-and-tear. The less active you are, the less wear-and-tear on your new hip joint.
This is one of the many advantages with advanced age. Older people are less active than younger folks, so wear-and-tear on the replacement joint won’t be as much of a factor for seniors as it will be for younger people.
Durability of a Hip Prosthetic
Total hip replacements usually last between 15 and 20 years. Patients who undergo this surgery have a 90 to 95 percent chance that their prosthetic hip joint will last for 10 years without revision surgery.
Patients who have their hip replaced have an 80 to 85 percent chance that the prosthetic joint will last 20 years. Plus, these percentages will likely improve as technology advances.
There is another factor that can positively or negatively affect the longevity of hip replacements. Long-term follow-up by the patient with his or her surgeon is crucial.
Check in with your surgeon often in order to ensure that the replacement is functioning properly. Keeping follow-up appointments will assist the patient in avoiding potential problems, reducing the chance that a second hip replacement surgery will be necessary.
Joint Replacement Surgeons in Michigan
Movement Orthopedics employs the latest and best techniques for treating musculoskeletal and joint dysfunction, including hip replacement surgery. We utilize cutting-edge procedures and state-of-the-art processes and products to ensure that your joint replacement surgery is successful and long-lasting.
We offer minimally invasive surgical techniques for our patients, which helps to spare the muscles surrounding the hip joint – allowing for a quicker recovery and fewer restrictions after surgery.
Contact Movement Orthopedics for more information about total hip arthroplasty and for your other orthopedic concerns. Call us at (586) 436-3785 or fill out our appointment request form online, and you’ll be on the road to less pain and better mobility – and more enjoyment of life!
