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What Is Hip Replacement?
Total hip replacement, also known as hip arthroplasty, is generally an invasive approach, performed under general or spinal (epidural) anesthesia. This intrusive process restores the functionality of the hip joint by removing the damaged pelvic hinges.
During THR, the top part of the thigh bone (femoral head) along with the outermost layer of the pelvic socket (urogenital diaphragm) are removed and replaced with prosthetic components.
- The damaged, spherical-shaped femoral head is replaced with the ceramic ball attached to the metal stem, which is inserted (placed) into the straight part of the femur, called the femoral shaft, for stability.
Doctors and physicians have been experimenting with different materials to reduce pain in the diseased hip joint for nearly a century. The development of metal balls and plastic sockets in the 1960s has greatly increased the effectiveness of pelvic (hip replacement) operations. This innovation led to the foundation of the modern femoral socket procedure, ensuring long-lasting results and functions. Today, the modern artificial hip bone prosthesis uses a stronger ceramic or metal ball, a titanium-cobalt-chrome metal stem, an ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene acetabular cup, and a liner, providing long-lasting outcomes.
Surgeons like Dr. Kalpit Patel from Naisarg Ortho Speciality Hospital are experts in designing the highly specialized, tailor-made components that fit the unique anatomy of the patients. His personalized approach ensures that the prosthetic bone construction mimics the original (natural) joint’s function more accurately. improve the fit in the femur.
What Is The Artificial Hip Joint Made Up Of?
Socket: The artificial socket is constructed with a high-density polyethylene metal alloy alone, which is known for its strength. Alternatively, it can also be coupled with a metal outer shell and an inner plastic or ceramic liner.
Stem & Ball: For almost a century, doctors have relied on durable stainless metal and ceramic materials to ease the pain at damaged hip joints. Up until the 1960s, the success of femoral socket operations showed inconsistent results. However, the adoption of advanced prosthetic tools like stainless steel stems, ceramic material balls or outer metal, and inner smooth shells has significantly restored functional biomechanics. Today, artificial components are available in different customized designs, crafted according to the individual patient’s anatomy with ensured results.
Moreover, when selecting the most appropriate combination of artificial implants, Dr. Kalpit Patel considers all the factors such as the patient’s age, activity level, the extent of damage or infection, etc.
What Is The Difference Between Cemented & Cementless Total Hip Replacement?
In a traditional pelvic hinges operation, bone cement was made up of a colorless, flammable organic liquid, methyl methacrylate (MMA), used to fix the prosthesis securely in the pelvic and thigh bones. The MMA material for cementing joint replacements generally has a lifespan of 12-15 years before it starts breaking down. However, cementless prosthetic implants allow bone growth into the prosthesis, offering a long-lasting solution, especially advantageous for patients aged 30 years or younger. Sometimes, one artificial component, either the socket or stem, may be cemented; this is known as a“ hybrid approach”. This is an alternative approach in which the cemented femoral stem is combined with an uncemented acetabular cup.
Facts About Total Hip Replacement
- Around 50,000 artificial pelvic prostheses are implanted annually in India, with a consistent success rate of 98%.
- At Our Naisarg Center, pelvic arthroplasty is performed on individuals (patients) ranging from 25 to 75 years of age.
- Dr. Kalpit Patel performs hip replacement surgery using top-quality ceramic materials to maximize hip strength.
