Our Summary

The study looked at the results of hip replacement surgeries where a certain type of titanium stem was used. The goal of these surgeries is to restore normal hip function and stability. They examined X-rays from 131 surgeries to measure three things: how well the hip bone was aligned, the overall balance of the hip, and the length of the leg after surgery compared to before. In most cases (71-82%), these measurements were within 10 mm of the desired outcomes. Over an average follow-up period of 38 months, there were only 4 cases where the hip came out of its socket. The results suggest that using this type of titanium stem can effectively restore hip function and stability in hip replacement surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What was the primary objective of the hip replacement surgeries studied?
  2. What measurements were taken from X-rays in the study to gauge the success of the hip replacement surgeries?
  3. How successful was the use of the specific type of titanium stem in restoring hip function and stability according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hip replacement is to follow post-operative instructions carefully, including physical therapy exercises to aid in recovery and prevent complications. It is also important to maintain a healthy weight and avoid high-impact activities to protect the new hip joint. Regular follow-up appointments with your doctor are important to monitor the success of the surgery and address any concerns or issues that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for hip replacement surgery include those who have severe hip pain that limits daily activities, hip stiffness that affects the range of motion, hip joint damage due to arthritis, hip fractures, or other conditions, and those who have not found relief from conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, or assistive devices. Additionally, patients who are healthy enough to undergo surgery and rehabilitation are good candidates for hip replacement.

Timeline

Before hip replacement surgery:

  1. Patient experiences chronic hip pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
  2. Patient consults with an orthopedic surgeon to discuss treatment options, including hip replacement surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to determine if they are a suitable candidate for hip replacement surgery.

After hip replacement surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgery, where the damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint made of metal, plastic, or ceramic components.
  2. Patient stays in the hospital for a few days for post-operative care and physical therapy to help with mobility and strength.
  3. Patient continues with physical therapy and rehabilitation at home to improve hip function and range of motion.
  4. Patient gradually resumes normal activities, with full recovery typically taking several months.
  5. Patient experiences reduced hip pain, improved mobility, and overall better quality of life after successful hip replacement surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What type of titanium stem will be used in my hip replacement surgery?
  2. How will the alignment of my hip bone be measured during and after the surgery?
  3. How will the overall balance of my hip be assessed post-surgery?
  4. What measures will be taken to ensure that the length of my leg is maintained after surgery?
  5. What is the success rate of this type of titanium stem in restoring hip function and stability?
  6. What are the potential risks or complications associated with this type of titanium stem in hip replacement surgery?
  7. How long is the average follow-up period for patients who have undergone hip replacement surgery with this type of titanium stem?
  8. How many cases of hip dislocation have occurred with this type of titanium stem in the study population?
  9. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process after hip replacement surgery with this type of titanium stem?
  10. Are there any specific restrictions or precautions I should follow after the surgery to ensure the long-term success of the hip replacement?

Reference

Authors: Saunders P, Shaw D, Sidharthan S, Young SK, Board T. Journal: Hip Int. 2023 Sep;33(5):880-888. doi: 10.1177/11207000221117782. Epub 2022 Aug 21. PMID: 35993222