Why are joint replacements generally needed?
Joint replacement surgery removes damaged or diseased parts of a joint and replaces them with new, man-made parts. The goals of joint replacement surgery are to relieve pain, help the joint work better, and improve walking and other movements.
What is joint resurfacing?
Joint resurfacing surgery helps repair cartilage defects in major joints by creating a smooth, continuous surface. Unlike joint replacement surgery, resurfacing ensures minimal structural changes to the joint. Patients are often able to return to their normal activities faster and more pain-free.
How do you know if you need hip resurfacing?
You might need hip resurfacing if you have significant damage to your hip joint. Different types of medical conditions can damage this joint, like: Osteoarthritis (most common) Rheumatoid arthritis.
Who is a candidate for hip resurfacing?
Generally speaking, the best candidates for hip resurfacing are younger (less than 60), larger-framed patients (often, but not always male) with strong, healthy bone. Patients that are older, female, smaller-framed, with weaker or damaged bone are at higher risk of complications, such as femoral neck fracture.
Is hip resurfacing a major operation?
Who is offered hip replacement surgery. A hip replacement is major surgery, so it is usually only recommended if other treatments, such as physiotherapy or steroid injections, have not helped reduce pain or improve mobility.
What is the recovery time for hip resurfacing surgery?
Many hip resurfacing patients are back walking just 4 hours after surgery. The total time spent in hospital is approximately about one to two days. Within two or three weeks, most patients can get back to regular activities including driving.
Why do I still have pain 6 months after hip replacement?
But some patients will still experience some degree of pain for months after the operation. Pain related to hip surgery can be caused by problems with the implant, changes to the hip or thigh bones, or injuries to nerves or soft tissue around the surgical site.
Do I have to sleep on my back after hip replacement surgery?
The best position to sleep in after total hip replacement is on your back with a pillow between your legs. You can also sleep on your non-operative side with two pillows lined between your legs. When you’re sleeping on your back, make sure you don’t cross your ankles or legs.