Tips on options for hip replacements
Bal M Rajagopalan, MD posted:
In today's competitive markets, many companies and surgeons are advocating and pushing their own prosthesis, when it comes to hip replacements. You may even go to a surgeon where the hospital dictates what is being used, based on price. It is so important to be educated and involved in the process of decided what implant is best for you, and why. In a day where there are recalls and aggressive advertising, all of this information can be overwhelming.
First, make sure your surgeon is board certified. Being board certified means that you surgeon has surpassed the highest qualifications to practice as a surgeon. There are many non-certified surgeons practicing today. Second, do some research on your surgeon to make sure that their patients have been happy with the work they have done. Remember that any negativity travels fasters than positivity. Make sure you and your surgeon can freely communicate and there is a positive working environment. When you are in a waiting room, talk to some of your surgeon's patients.
With implants, there are options and it is overwhelming. The general rule of thumb is to ask questions and realize that not all implants are a fit for all people. With respect to approaches, you will have surgeons going anteriorly, posteriorly, or lateral. The simple basic rule is both anterior and posterior are great in someone who does them often. The advantage of these two approaches are they are muscle sparing, and can prevent limping.
On bearing surfaces you can use metal, polyethylene and ceramic. The best of these three is a tough answer. There have been issues with ceramic on ceramic cracking, metal on metal causing increased ions. The safest in my opinion, is ceramic on polyethylene. As surgeons, we aim for the biggest heads to enhance stability and prevent dislocation.
** Ask your surgeon if there is a risk of leg length discrepancy, due to any anatomic issues.
Nowadays, we aim for press fit to allow immediate weight bearing. Immediate weight bearing is very important, as it prevents issues with bedsores, infection, pneumonia, and blood clots. So, ask your surgeon when you will be able to walk and when you will be at full weight bearing.
First, make sure your surgeon is board certified. Being board certified means that you surgeon has surpassed the highest qualifications to practice as a surgeon. There are many non-certified surgeons practicing today. Second, do some research on your surgeon to make sure that their patients have been happy with the work they have done. Remember that any negativity travels fasters than positivity. Make sure you and your surgeon can freely communicate and there is a positive working environment. When you are in a waiting room, talk to some of your surgeon's patients.
With implants, there are options and it is overwhelming. The general rule of thumb is to ask questions and realize that not all implants are a fit for all people. With respect to approaches, you will have surgeons going anteriorly, posteriorly, or lateral. The simple basic rule is both anterior and posterior are great in someone who does them often. The advantage of these two approaches are they are muscle sparing, and can prevent limping.
On bearing surfaces you can use metal, polyethylene and ceramic. The best of these three is a tough answer. There have been issues with ceramic on ceramic cracking, metal on metal causing increased ions. The safest in my opinion, is ceramic on polyethylene. As surgeons, we aim for the biggest heads to enhance stability and prevent dislocation.
** Ask your surgeon if there is a risk of leg length discrepancy, due to any anatomic issues.
Nowadays, we aim for press fit to allow immediate weight bearing. Immediate weight bearing is very important, as it prevents issues with bedsores, infection, pneumonia, and blood clots. So, ask your surgeon when you will be able to walk and when you will be at full weight bearing.
Was this Helpful?
29 of 39 found this helpful
2 Replies |Report This| Share this:Tips on options for hip replacementsIn today's competitive markets, many companies and surgeons are advocating and pushing their own prosthesis, when it comes to hip replacements. You may even go to a surgeon where the hospital dictates what is being used, based on price. It is so important to be educated and involved in the process of decided what implant is best for you, and why. In a day where there are recalls and aggressive advertising, all of this information can be overwhelming.<br /><br />First, make sure your surgeon is board certified. Being board certified means that you surgeon has surpassed the highest qualifications to practice as a surgeon. There are many non-certified surgeons practicing today. Second, do some research on your surgeon to make sure that their patients have been happy with the work they have done. Remember that any negativity travels fasters than positivity. Make sure you and your surgeon can freely communicate and there is a positive working environment. When you are in a waiting room, talk to some of your surgeon's patients. <br /><br />With implants, there are options and it is overwhelming. The general rule of thumb is to ask questions and realize that not all implants are a fit for all people. With respect to approaches, you will have surgeons going anteriorly, posteriorly, or lateral. The simple basic rule is both anterior and posterior are great in someone who does them often. The advantage of these two approaches are they are muscle sparing, and can prevent limping. <br /><br />On bearing surfaces you can use metal, polyethylene and ceramic. The best of these three is a tough answer. There have been issues with ceramic on ceramic cracking, metal on metal causing increased ions. The safest in my opinion, is ceramic on polyethylene. As surgeons, we aim for the biggest heads to enhance stability and prevent dislocation.<br /><br />** Ask your surgeon if there is a risk of leg length discrepancy, due to any anatomic issues. <br /><br />Nowadays, we aim for press fit to allow immediate weight bearing. Immediate weight bearing is very important, as it prevents issues with bedsores, infection, pneumonia, and blood clots. So, ask your surgeon when you will be able to walk and when you will be at full weight bearing.
annette030 responded:
Great explanation!!
My husband had his hip replaced two years ago due to AVN of the femoral head. His bad leg was well over 1 1/2 inches shorter than the good leg preop, he just put shims in his shoes to make them close to the same. The surgeon told him he would do his best to make the legs match in length but he wasn't sure he could fix that completely. He did it though. He was up the same day and walking with a walker the following day. He had surgery on Tesday and was home on Friday with a walker, which he quickly exchanged for a cane, then nothing.
I am a retired nurse, so I had vetted the doctor and hospital pretty thoroughly.
Take care, Annette
My husband had his hip replaced two years ago due to AVN of the femoral head. His bad leg was well over 1 1/2 inches shorter than the good leg preop, he just put shims in his shoes to make them close to the same. The surgeon told him he would do his best to make the legs match in length but he wasn't sure he could fix that completely. He did it though. He was up the same day and walking with a walker the following day. He had surgery on Tesday and was home on Friday with a walker, which he quickly exchanged for a cane, then nothing.
I am a retired nurse, so I had vetted the doctor and hospital pretty thoroughly.
Take care, Annette
Report This| Share this:Tips on options for hip replacementsGreat explanation!!<br /><br />My husband had his hip replaced two years ago due to AVN of the femoral head. His bad leg was well over 1 1/2 inches shorter than the good leg preop, he just put shims in his shoes to make them close to the same. The surgeon told him he would do his best to make the legs match in length but he wasn't sure he could fix that completely. He did it though. He was up the same day and walking with a walker the following day. He had surgery on Tesday and was home on Friday with a walker, which he quickly exchanged for a cane, then nothing.<br /><br />I am a retired nurse, so I had vetted the doctor and hospital pretty thoroughly.<br /><br />Take care, Annette
That is great! Research and good questions go a long way!
Report This| Share this:Tips on options for hip replacementsThat is great! Research and good questions go a long way!
Featuring Experts
Bal Rajagopalan, MD, (known by his patients as Dr Raj ) is a double board-certified (American and Canadian) orthopedic surgeon in Beverly Hills, Cali...More
Helpful Tips
postop pain management
Consult with the anethesiologist relative to a pain management clinic who can help. In some cases, Lidoderm patches can be a big help as ... More
Was this Helpful?
1
of
1 found this helpful
- Re: Information you should be aware of
- Bum Hip and Sodium Sulfates
- Celebrate Your Triump Over Pain at the 1st Annual Metal Walk
Helpful Resources
Related News
Related Drug Reviews
- Drug Name User Reviews
Report Problems to the
Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
For more information, visit the Duke Health Joint Replacement Center
Other Knee & Hip Replacement Information
More Related Communities
The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.
Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
About WebMD Advertise With Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Sponsor Policy Site Map Careers Contact Us
First Aid WebMD Magazine WebMD Health Record WebMD Mobile Newsletters Dictionary Physician Directory
©2005-2013 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.