Total Hip Replacement Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Total Hip Replacement?
Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which an artificial joint, known as a prosthesis, is used to replace the damaged or diseased femoral head and/or acetabulum of the hip joint. This type of surgery is usually recommended when conservative treatments such as physical therapy and medications have proven ineffective in relieving pain and restoring function. During total hip replacement surgery, the damaged or diseased portion of the natural joint is removed and replaced with metal, plastic or ceramic components that are designed to restore movement, alleviate pain and improve quality of life. The new joint typically consists of a metal stem attached to a ball-and-socket component. The new ball-and-socket component may be made from metal (metallic) or from ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE). The benefits associated with total hip replacement include improved range of motion, increased stability during activities such as walking or climbing stairs, less pain when bearing weight on your leg and improved overall quality of life. Additionally, patients who have undergone total hip replacement typically experience reduced disability due to decreased levels of discomfort associated with the condition prior to their surgery. Total hip replacement does come with risks. These include infection at the site where incisions were made for the surgery; blood clots that could travel to other parts of your body; loosening or wear from the artificial components over time; nerve damage; fracture near where components were implanted; dislocation if you don’t follow your surgeon’s guidelines following surgery; stiffness because scar tissue may form around your new joint; implant failure which would require additional surgeries; allergic reactions to metals in implants used if you have an allergy ;and reaction between dissimilar materials used for different components if they aren’t compatible with each other. Overall, total hip replacement can be an effective treatment option for people whose activities are severely limited due to painful hips caused by arthritis or other conditions leading to deterioration in bone structure within their joints. It’s important that all potential risks and benefits associated with this procedure be discussed thoroughly between patient and doctor prior to making any decisions about undergoing it.