HIP PROSTHESIS

 

Osteoarthritis of the hip is the situation in which the joint loses its congruence due to an alteration of the cartilage, which is the tissue that lines the surface of the joint.

 

The degree of osteoarthritis can be:

1.- Slight or Moderate

In the radiography, we appreciate a slight reduction of the joint space that can overcome marginal osteophytes (overgrowth of the bone) or bone cysts.

The patient may have mild or moderate pain and it usually starts when walking certain distances.

Discomfort improves with the use of anti-inflammatory drugs or with rest

2.- Severe osteoarthritis

In the radiography we can already see the almost complete absence of the articular space, the presence of subchondral geodes, large osteophytes and even the loss of the sphericity of the head of the femur.

The patient usually has quite disabling pain, which sometimes even occurs at rest, when changing position. Anti-inflammatory drugs are no longer effective. The quality of life is reduced because activities are stopped and hobbies are lost because the patient avoids them to not have pain.
 

Treatment of osteoarthritis of the hip

In cases of severe osteoarthritis, treatment is eminently surgical. The technique of choice is the placement of a total hip prosthesis. It is recommended to enter the clinic the same day and the anesthesia is usually spinal (from the waist down) because it has lower rate of complications and because it is the least painful postoperative..

The admission usually lasts three or four days and walking with the help of a walker or crutches will begin the day after the surgery. Three weeks after it, it is possible to walk without pain and without the use of any advice.
 

 

 

Contact Dr. Oscar Tendero in Mallorca and find out how he can help you with hip replacement surgery.