Our hips are designed to bear weight and be flexible. These unique features allow us full mobility and the ability to perform daily tasks. However, living an active lifestyle and always being on our feet frequently may lead to hip degeneration and hip-related problems.
Conservative treatments may, at times, treat these problems. However, some cases may require interventions such as minimally-invasive hip replacement surgery.
Here’s what you need to know to determine if hip replacement surgery is right for you.
What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?
The hip is a weight-bearing joint that has two main parts: the ball and the socket. The ball refers to the head of the femoral bone. Meanwhile, the socket pertains to the hip bone. Ligaments, or connective tissue with strong collagen fibers, connect the ball to the socket.
All of these parts work together to help with mobility. Damage to any part of the hip joint can affect how you move. In some cases, you may experience discomfort or pain to varying degrees.
Healthcare providers usually recommend hip replacement surgery when other conservative treatments have been exhausted. The surgery may involve the removal of damaged portions of your hip joint and replacing them with metal or medical-grade plastic as prostheses. The process focuses on targeting the leading cause of the hip pain you are experiencing. In doing so, your mobility and function are improved.
There are two types of hip replacements, namely:
Total Hip Replacement
This procedure involves the removal and replacement of both the femoral head and the hip bone. A total hip replacement is usually done when damage in the greater part of the joint is evident.
Partial Hip Replacement
This procedure only involves the removal and replacement of the femoral head, and is usually done when damage is less severe.
Who Can Benefit From Hip Replacement Surgery?
Patients with the following conditions usually benefit from hip replacement surgery:
Avascular Necrosis (AVN)
Also called osteonecrosis, avascular necrosis is caused by the temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the bone. It can later weaken the bone and eventually cause it to collapse.
Chondrosarcoma
Chondrosarcoma is a type of cancer that originates from the bone. It usually exhibits itself in the hip, shoulder, and pelvis bones. The growth of the tumor also restricts movement and causes pain. If left untreated, cancer may spread to other areas of the body.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It is characterized by damage to the cartilage due to wear and tear. People with hip osteoarthritis experience pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the area.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain. This condition can cause dislocation and joint damage. Like osteoarthritis, a person suffering from rheumatoid arthritis may feel inflammation and pain.
Hip Fractures Due to an Injury
Old and improperly healed hip fractures may also compromise the blood flow to the area. This results in bone cell death and other complications.
What Is a Minimally-Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgeries come in two forms: traditional and minimally-invasive. The main difference between the two is the size of the incision. As the name suggests, minimally-invasive hip replacement surgeries require smaller incisions.
Minimally-invasive hip replacement surgeries aim to lessen surgery damage on healthy tissues, including muscles and blood vessels. The surgeon will access your hip by making one to two small incisions. This approach has the following advantages:
- Better scar appearance
- Faster recovery
- Lower risk of tissue damage
- Lesser blood loss
- Less pain
- Less limping
- Shorter hospital stay
The advantages mentioned are postoperative results after rapid rehabilitation protocol. Studies also show the importance of physical therapy to the recovery process. Regular physical therapy provides mobility and strengthening exercises.
Minimally-invasive procedures can lessen the chance of patients of hospital readmission. They’re also less likely to experience hip dislocation and wound infection. Several clinical investigations report that it is an effective method to improve the patient’s quality of life. The process helps in restoring and maximizing the patient’s functionality and full mobility.
Minimally-invasive hip replacement is not appropriate for all patients. Your healthcare provider will decide whether your age, fitness level, medical history, and other health factors are suitable for this kind of procedure.
In general, younger, healthier, and fitter patients are good candidates for this type of surgery. They should also be willing to go through the rehabilitation process.
Minimally-Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery in Naples, Florida
Your hip problems can affect your mobility. Fortunately, there are several treatment options available. If conservative treatments don’t work for you, minimally-invasive hip replacement surgery might be an option.
If you are a candidate for this type of procedure, there is no need to search for hip replacement surgery near you! Here at North Naples Surgery Center, we make sure that our patients receive the best surgical care available. Our team of healthcare providers will make sure to be with you every step of the way to ensure a successful surgical outcome.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, you can contact us at (239) 529-2811. You can also let us know you’re coming by securing an appointment through our online appointment form. We’re looking forward to serving you!
