Here is a brief introduction to how this surgical procedure begins. During hip replacement surgery the surgeon will be removing damaged sections of the patient’s hip joint. He will then proceed to replace these with parts which are primarily made up of ceramics, extremely hard plastic and/or metal. This artificially created joint will help to reduce the patient’s pain. It will also help to improve the functioning of the hip area.
Hip replacement surgery is given due consideration when hip pain continues to inhibit the patient’s day to day activities. Non-surgical treatments are also no longer working. Arthritic damage has been mentioned as the most common reason for having hip replacement surgery. Two common forms of arthritis continuously under the surgical microscope are that of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis damages the slick cartilage.
This is the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones. It also helps joints to move smoothly. Rheumatoid arthritis on the other hand is caused by an overactive immune system. It produces a form of inflammation that could erode cartilage. It could also impair underlying bones. And this of course results in damaged and deformed joints. Another root cause for hip replacement surgery is that of osteonecrosis. This is what happens when not enough blood is being supplied to the balled portion of the hip joint.
This could happen when a dislocation or fracture has occurred. If left unattended, the affected bone could very well collapse. Numerous other causes could necessitate the need for hip replacement surgery. It is not a procedure that is the sole preserve of the elderly and frail. It could affect anyone of any age conflicted by trauma as a result of a bad accident or afflicted by illness or disease.