Today, advances in surgical techniques and technologies have revolutionized hip replacement surgery, allowing more patients to consider treatment sooner. While concerns and worries are normal when considering surgery, the information listed below may help you with your decision.
Myth # 1:
“Arthritis pain is part of aging. It’s just something you learn to live with.”
Reality:
Osteoarthritis affects nearly 21 million Americans today and will affect potentially up to 72 million people by 2030.1 Yet many Americans choose years of conservative care (physical therapy, drugs, injections) to lessen, but not eliminate, their joint pain.
While 300,000 Americans each year choose total hip replacement (THR), it is estimated that more than double that number of people are good candidates and could benefit from such a procedure.2 If everyday activities are causing pain and interfering with your daily activities, you may benefit from a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon.
Myth # 2:
“A Hip Replacement won’t feel natural.”
Reality:
There have been significant advances in materials, designs, and surgical procedures for hip replacement. Most patients forget that they have a hip replacement after 12 months.
“I’m too young for a hip replacement.”
Reality:
Hip replacement is related to need, not age. Total hip replacement is considered to be an effective procedure that can help patients resume a more active lifestyle.
Myth # 4:
“I should wait as long as possible to undergo hip replacement surgery.”
Reality:
Many patients who could benefit greatly from a hip replacement are worried that they will not be able to comfortably and confidently return to their normal activities of daily living. In fact, delaying surgery lowers patients’ quality of life not only before the operation, but even for up to two years following surgery, according to a study in Arthritis & Rheumatism.3 However, there is a higher probability that younger patients may need to undergo a second hip replacement later in life, but with modular components this is a less challenging procedure than in the past.
Myth # 5:
“All hip replacements are the same.”
Reality:
Talk to your orthopaedic surgeon about your individual needs and the clinical history of the implant your surgeon recommends for you.
References
1. http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health-info/osteoarthritis/default.asp
2. http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/ad/ad385.pdf
3. “Timing of total joint replacement affects clinical outcomes among patients with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee,” Arthritis & Rheumatism, December 2002: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgicmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&Iist_uids=12483739&dopt=Abstract
