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Hip Arthritis
Hip Arthritis
Arthritis is defined as the loss of articular (joint lining) cartilage on both sides of the joint. This results in what has been described by many as "bone-on-bone" contact, where the protective padding of cartilage has been lost. This is clearly evident on regular x-rays of the hip and pelvis as the condition becomes advanced.
The cartilage in the hip joint is unfortunately very thin in its normal state and slowly becomes thinner over time with normal activity. With heavy impact activity such as long term aggressive and impact sports, heavy body weight, hard labor occupations, and some episodes of acute trauma, this cartilage can pre-maturely wear down to expose the underlying bone. Once this happens, the body can no longer re-grow new cartilage on its own, and the bone is unprotected leading to significant changes that are indicative of advanced arthritis. This is demonstrated on x-rays by bone sclerosis (excessive hardening of bone to protect itself), osteophyte formation (bone spurs around the edges of the joint) and a lack of joint space (no room between the two bones of the joint due to cartilage loss).
There are various stages of arthritis, each of which can be treated differently. The spectrum of treatments for hip arthritis is broad and includes non-operative therapies, various types of injections, arthroscopic (microscopic) surgery for some scenarios, and various levels of hip replacement and resurfacing options. Each of these treatments have very specific indications that need to be considered for each patient on an individual basis.
Hip resurfacing procedures are often successful for a very select group of patients and have the benefit of maintaining a large amount of the normal bone, a minimal risk of dislocation and maintains the ability to typically continue nearly all activities without a lot of restrictions. Recently, several media agencies have presented information regarding this type of surgery or implants used. Some of this is truthful and some is not. These issues should be discussed in detail with your surgeon should you be considering this operation.
Hip Hemiarthroplasty (half-hip replacements, partial hip replacements) are typically reserved for some types of hip fractures and are usually not indicated for relief of chronic hip pain from arthritis.
A total hip arthroplasty (complete hip replacement) has the widest indications for arthritic hip pain and is a very successful operation. There are numerous types of hip replacement implants to consider and a knowledgeable surgeon will be able to discuss each of these with you, as there are positives and negatives to each option that need to be considered. This is typically considered major surgery, but is typically very safe and has very reliable outcomes. These patients are typically extremely happy with the results. However, there are limitations to the activity level that should be maintained after a hip replacement and this needs to be considered and discussed with a trained orthopaedic surgeon.
Hip Arthritis
Hip arthritis is the loss of cartilage at the hip joint. The cartilage is a shock absorber, without it there is pain, which can impede mobility.
Hip Arthritis