How can having a total hip replacement improve my sleep?

March 10, 2010 — admin

I’ve been dealing with an arthritic hip for years. Now it’s affecting my sleep. I heard that having a total hip replacement could help me sleep better. How does that work?

Arthritis sufferers are known to have poor sleep patterns caused by pain. Conditions such as osteoarthritis are a common source of hip pain in the older adult.

A recent study in New Zealand showed that sleep is improved after hip joint replacement. All patients had painful symptoms from arthritis that woke them up at night. Less hip pain after the operation meant better sleep. If the patients were awakened from sleep, it was for some other reason than from hip pain.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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Uneven wear in hip joint replacement result of third-body wear.

March 5, 2010 — admin

I had a joint hip replacement for severe arthritis three years ago. The doctor tells me that “third-body wear” is likely the cause of some uneven wear in the joint. What does this mean?

When patients with hip joint replacements are compared, there are very different results in wear patterns of the new joint. This is true even when the same replacement parts are used from patient to patient.

In fact, one study looked at patients with both hips replaced using the same implant. The researchers compared one side to the other and found that the wear pattern was different from side to side. One of the reasons for this is third-body wear.

This is the presence of tiny particles in the joint. These pieces may be bits of bone or fragments of glue or cement used to hold the new joint in place. Even metal debris from the coating around the joint implant can cause the joint liner to be scratched and roughed up. Joint wear and tear is increased when the surfaces are roughened.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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What position is best for sleeping after a total hip replacement?

March 3, 2010 — admin

What position is best for sleeping after a hip replacement?

It depends how long ago you had the operation. During the first weeks-to-months, patients are restricted to lying on the back. Many doctors request they use a special abduction pillow between the legs with another pillow under to knees to keep the hips slightly bent.

When the doctor gives you the go ahead you can sleep on the “good” side. This means the hip replacement is up facing the ceiling. You’ll still need a firm pillow that goes between the legs from the hips down to the ankles.

Lying on your stomach is not advised. If your doctor approves this position, you may need a pillow under the hips to keep them in a slightly flexed or bent position. It’s usually many months (if ever) that stomach sleeping is comfortable or safe.

Sleeping on the operated side is also delayed by many months if it is resumed at all. Most patients find this position too uncomfortable to rest well at night.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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I had total hip replacement surgery, how long will I limp?

February 26, 2010 — admin

I’m very self-conscious that I still limp after a total hip replacement I had five months ago. Will this ever go away?

Muscle weakness is the usual cause of a limp while walking. Three to six months after a total hip replacement, the muscles around the hip are still only at 50 percent of normal. Limping is not unusual up until six months after the replacement.

Limping may even go on up to one year later. This is because joint strength and function are still only at 80 percent of normal. It’s important to keep doing your rehab exercises. By five months you should be able to move past the basic program and continue to improve your strength.

Try to get back to your favorite physical activities. Any nonimpact sports you enjoy will help keep you on track for full recovery. If you aren’t seeing some gradual improvement over time, ask your doctor if there are any special or unusual reasons why you are still limping. Perhaps you’re a good candidate for an updated rehab program.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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Dehydration can complicate recovery from total hip replacement surgery

February 15, 2010 — admin

My older sister had a total hip replacement 2 months ago. She has had set backs and delays from the beginning. Dehydration seems to be the central problem. What causes this?

Even healthy older adults are at risk for dehydration (fluid loss). There is a decrease in thirst as we age and thus, a tendency to stop drinking liquids as much. Many Americans confuse thirst with hunger and eat instead of drinking.

Older adults who have hip joint surgery are also at increased risk of dehydration. There is blood loss with this operation. The problem gets worse if the patient has nausea and vomiting from medications. The presence of any other medical condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or thyroid problems adds to the mix.

Even mild to moderate dehydration can slow a patient down. Dizziness, weakness, and fatigue are common. Just getting through the daily activities or dressing, eating, and personal care can zap a patient’s strength. There may be no energy left for exercise needed after this operation.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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What’s the most important factor in a successful total hip replacement?

February 10, 2010 — admin

What’s the most important factor in getting a hip joint replacement that lasts?

There are many things affecting the life of a joint implant. The first is bone density. The bone must be strong enough to handle the surgery and support an implant. Probably the most important step is to get a good fit of the implant stem into the bone canal. This is crucial for long-term implant results.

The doctor also chooses the implant carefully. There are many different hip joint replacements available. Matching the right size, shape, and style to each patient is important.

The patient must also follow the doctor’s and the physical therapist’s advice carefully. Doing too much or moving the wrong way too soon can have disastrous results.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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Is Grandma too old for total hip replacement?

February 5, 2010 — admin

My 83-year old grandma is going to have a total hip replacement. We’re all worried that she’s too old for this. What do you think?

Americans are living longer and in better health. This means they are more likely to need a major joint replacement as they reach their 80s. Joint replacements are available for the shoulder, hip, or knee.

These operations do put older adults at increased risk of problems.

Studies of 80-year old (and older) adults compared to younger adults show there is an increase in the number of serious problems that occur. But the overall rate is low, and it’s more likely to happen in elderly patients with other health problems.

Results should be good if your grandmother is in good health and the doctor has approved the surgery.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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Short reader needs total hip replacement that fits

January 22, 2010 — admin

I am a small woman (5 feet 1 inch) with small bones. My doctor has advised me to have a total hip replacement for severe arthritis. Do they make new hip joints to fit people like me?

The implants are made in a wide range of shapes and sizes. The stem of the implant is placed inside the center of the thighbone. This is called the femoral canal. The size of the femoral canal varies in patients as well.

The doctor will choose the right implant for you. This is decided at the time of surgery when the doctor can see the size of your bones and the size and shape of your femoral canal.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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Can hip pain be caused by a back problem and vice versa?

January 19, 2010 — admin

Can back pain be caused by a hip problem? My doctor thinks my low back pain is really coming from the hip on that side.

Pain from one area of the body can be referred to another part of the body. Back pain can be caused by the hip. The opposite is true, too: hip pain can be caused by a problem in the spine.

Sometimes the pain is close by but at other times it can travel far away from the source. A standard rule of thumb for any part of the body is to check for problems at least one level above and below the site of pain.

There are special tests that can be done to find out where pain is really coming from. For example rotating the hip inward can help screen for problems coming from the hip. Likewise, bending the hip and knee and putting pressure through the hip can help identify back versus hip pain. Your doctor has probably used these tests to come to this diagnosis.

The final proof will be in treating the hip. Expect to see your back pain go away by improving hip motion and function.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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Full disclosure important when facing total hip replacement surgery

January 14, 2010 — admin

I’m filling out a form for my doctor before having a total hip replacement. It asks me to list all drugs (prescription and over-the-counter). Do I need to report vitamins and herbal supplements too? There’s no place on the form for that, but it seems important.

You’re right. Vitamins and herbal supplements can have dangerous interactions with prescribed drugs. They must be reported. Sometimes these products are called nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals refers to any food, supplement, or dietary substance that improves health or offers medical benefit.

This can include herbs like ginkgo biloba, ginseng, Echinacea, and St. John’s wort. Antioxidants such as lycopene, Vitamins E, A, and C, and supplements like calcium are also included.

Anyone planning surgery of any kind should go over their complete list of drugs and nutraceuticals with the doctor. This is important because some over-the-counter products can cause bleeding or decrease the effect of the prescribed drug.

For example you may have heard that grapefruit juice shouldn’t be taken with cholesterol lowering drugs, calcium channel blockers for high blood pressure, and some migraine medications. The juice keeps the body from using and getting rid of these drugs from the body.

Vitamin K should not be taken by anyone who is also taking Coumadin (warfarin) to prevent blood clots. Warfarin works by stopping vitamin K factors needed to make blood clots. Too much vitamin K can keep the warfarin from doing its job.

These are just a few examples of drug-herb interactions. Your doctor will be able to see if you’re taking anything that could be a problem.

Considering a total hip replacement? Choose an experienced surgeon. Dr. Zehr is one of the few surgeons in Southwest Florida using the minimally invasive anterior approach. In fact, it is estomated that fewer than 5% of the orthopedic surgeons in the United States employ this approach.

For more information on this subject, call The Zehr Center for Orthopaedics at 239-596-0100 or visit www.zehrcenter.com.The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.

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