Is Total Hip Replacement Right For You?
Although our bodies are made to withstand constant stress, they are still susceptible to issues, such as arthritis or fracture. These issues often lead to pain and damage that make simple tasks such as walking incredibly difficult. Although some individuals with arthritis may find solace from treatment, medications, or lifestyle changes, others may not be so lucky. Thankfully, there is an option that can save you from the pain while restoring your ability to stay mobile. This, of course, is total hip replacement surgery. If you’re in the El Paso area and you’re considering this surgery, Sun City Orthopaedic & Hand Surgery Specialists can help.
The Hip: The Joint That Keeping Us Mobile
As one of the largest joints in the body, the hip is responsible for our mobility and ability to get up from sitting or to bend down to pick things up from the floor. As a ball-and-socket joint, the hip is able to move in many different directions. Let’s take a closer look at the hip, shall we? At the upper end of the femur, or thigh bone is the femoral head. This is the “ball” that makes up half of the joint. The socket is separate from the femur and is known as the acetabulum (or socket). When the time comes to replace the hip joint, the femoral head will be removed and replaced while the damaged socket will be removed and replaced with a metal socket.
The Basics of Total Hip Replacement Surgery
Now that we’ve provided a basic outline of the hip joint, it’s time to delve into what the replacement surgery entails. Since the problem areas are the femoral head and the socket, they will have to be removed and replaced with metal/plastic or ceramic/plastic ball-and-socket joints. The worn down femoral head will be removed and a metal stem will be placed within the femur bone, in the hollow center. This metal stem will, in essence, replace the femoral head. The damaged sockets cartilage will be removed and replaced with another metal socket, which is then held in place with screws. A spacer will be placed between the new ball and socket in order to provide a natural, smooth surface.
Choose Sun City Orthopaedic & Hand Surgery Specialists, Today
Total hip replacement surgery has been a staple of the orthopaedic community since 1960. In the years since the procedure has become more reliable and efficient for patients who need to get rid of their joint pain. Sun City Orthopaedic & Hand Surgery Specialists has been serving the El Paso area for many years and we’re ready to help you regain your mobility. Give us a call today to find out if total hip replacement surgery is right for you.