HIP JOINT

Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthrosis) results in structural joint damage. It usually affects either middle-aged or elderly people. The risk factors that are responsible for the development of the disease are genetic predispositions, obesity, working in a standing position, lifting heavy objects. Other local factors are: joint injury, acetabular dysplasia, osteonecrosis, endocrine disorders, idiopathic wear and tear of the acetabulum, as well as of the femoral head.

Symptoms:

In the early stage of the disease, the patient may feel:

  • Lower limb weakness
  • Motor function decline
  • Intermittent hip joint pain

In the later stage of the disease, the patient may feel:

  • Persistent hip joint pain despite taking analgesics
  • Permanent hip joint contracture causing walking difficulties (limping)

Early detection of the disease is essential for prevention and patient treatment. Discontinuation of treatment may lead to gradual limitation of joint mobility, and even to invalidism caused by contracture and pain while overloading the joint. This condition makes it impossible for the patient to get up, sit down and get dressed on their own.


TREATMENT:

Methods of treatment that are used depend upon disease progression, patient’s reaction to pain and everyday life limitations caused by this disorder, patient age, as well as general patient condition.

Treatment includes:

  • Prevention
  • Conservative treatment (combination of physiotherapeutic, pharmacological and rehabilitation treatment)
  • Operative treatment
  • Total hip replacement (Arthroplasty)

 

HIP REPLACEMENT

A surgical procedure based on total hip joint replacement. It is the only method that allows the patient to walk without pain. Most of the endoprostheses of the hip joint consist of three major parts, namely a titanium stem, a ceramic ball and a cup made of high-quality material. These prostheses differ only in terms of the type of fixation used to hold an implant in place. Therefore, hip replacements may be either cemented or cementless. The first method relies on a stable interface between a prosthesis and cement, and a solid mechanical bond between cement and the bone. The other method consists in uncemented parts relying on a process called biologic fixation. Sometimes weak mechanical resistance of the bone makes it impossible to perform uncemented replacement.

The patient is qualified for the surgery after being examined by an orthopedist and an anesthesiologist. We use American endoprostheses of SMITH & NEPHEW,  as well as AESCULAP, CENTRAMENT and BIOMET.

Length of stay:

The average length of stay is approximately 5 to 10 days after which the patient is provided with initial rehabilitation allowing them to walk on crutches.

After surgery:

After the surgery, the patient stays under constant medical supervision in the orthopaedic outpatient clinic then sent to a reputable rehabilitation center.

Waiting time:

The average waiting time for the surgery is approximately 2 to 4 weeks.