What is hip osteoarthritis?

August 31st — admin

My doctor thinks I have the start of hip osteoarthritis. What is this disease anyway?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is more of a condition than a disease. It occurs slowly over time as the loss of cartilage begins. The layer of bone just under the cartilage starts to harden, a process called sclerosis. Bone spurs start to form around the edges of the joint.

Patients affected by OA report pain, loss of motion, and loss of function. Hip OA can cause pain in the groin, thigh, and upper outer part of the leg. Pain can go from the hip down to the knee. Morning stiffness is common. Patients often have trouble putting weight on the affected leg.

Early identification and treatment may help patients stay active and avoid surgery for years. Exercise has been shown to reduce pain and disability. The use of manual physical therapy combined with exercise seems to give patients greater return of function that lasts longer.

If you haven’t already, talk with your doctor about the various treatment options. Find out what is recommended for you.

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 a total hip replacement necessary for just one part?

August 23rd — admin

I just got the results of my hip X-rays. One hip has arthritis but just at the top of the thigh bone. The round ball in the socket is all broken down. It’s not really round anymore. Do I have to have a whole hip replacement just for one part?

Maybe not! You may have a couple choices. The first is called a hemiarthroplasty. The surgeon removes the round top of the femur (thighbone) and drills out some of the bone down inside the shaft. Then a replacement top and stem are inserted down into the bone.

Or if you are younger than 60 and have good bone stock, you may be able to have a hip resurfacing arthroplasty (HRA). In this operation, just the top or cap of the femoral head is removed and replaced. It’s a lot like having a tooth capped by the dentist.

Your surgeon will be able to tell you both what is possible and what he or she can do. Not all surgeons perform all types of joint implants. Experience is important so it’s a good idea to go with what your surgeon is skilled at doing. If you are a good candidate for a HRA, then you may want to go to a center where this operation is done routinely.

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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Most hip fractures occur in women over 65. Why?

July 15th — admin

I heard that most hip fractures are in women over 65. Can you explain why this happens?

Two major factors account for the number of hip fractures in older adults, especially women over age 65. The first is osteoarthritis of the joints — wear and tear on the joints that seems to be part of the aging process for many adults. The second is osteoporosis (brittle bones), which often occurs as a result of menopause for women. Osteoporosis can also affect men in this age group.

Loss of balance and falls are a major cause of hip fractures. There are many risk factors for falls for both men and women. Muscle weakness and decreased reaction time when the balance is challenged are part of the problem. Medications that cause dizziness or dehydration can also contribute to falls.

Sometimes simple household situations can cause problems. For example slippery floors, throw rugs, animals under foot, or stairs without handrails can lead to falls. Problems with vision and hearing so common in older age can add to the risk. Use of alcohol or other substances is another risk factor.

Doctors, nurses, and physical therapists are working together to teach older adults about the dangers and risks that can lead to falls and hip fractures. Osteoporosis prevention for men and women begins with nutrition and exercise early in life. Staying active and doing specific balance exercises can also make a difference.

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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Could soccer playing wear out my hip?

June 23rd — admin

I’m 45-years old and need a hip replacement because of arthritis. I played soccer from the time I was in pre-school all the way through college. Even as an adult I played on coed rec teams. Could the soccer playing wear my hip out?

Playing soccer may not be the issue. Studies show it’s the sports injuries players get that increase the risk of osteoarthritis. Ankle and knee injuries are common among soccer players. Since these two joints are in a direct line-up with the hip, it makes sense that such injuries can lead to arthritis later.

Another risk factor for injury and thus arthritis is left-leg dominance. At this point we know more about what isn’t a risk than what is. In studies of soccer players ages 12 to 18, there was no apparent increase in risk of injury linked with body size or type, balance, strength, or flexibility. Preseason play didn’t seem to make a difference either.

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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Double hip replacement an option?

June 7th — admin

I have pretty bad hip arthritis. The doctor is going to do a hip replacement on the worst side first. The other side isn’t really too good. How will I manage with one bum hip and the other one just operated on?

You may want to ask your doctor about having both hips done at the same time. If you are in good health and qualify, this may be the best option for you. Without the stiffness and pain on the nonoperative side after a single replacement, you can move along faster in rehab, too!

There’s also a cost savings. Even though you’ll be in the hospital longer than if only one hip was done at a time, the overall number of days is less when both hips are done together.

You can have bilateral hip replacements in one of three ways. First, they can both be done in the same surgery. Second, you could do one and finish rehab before having the second one done. There’s usually at least six to eight weeks between operations. Some people wait longer. Third, you could have one hip done and wait five to seven days. If your health is stable and you’re up for it then have the second one done. With this third method, you don’t leave the hospital between operations.

If you still opt for one hip replacement at a time, then a physical therapist will help you. Your home may need to be adapted to make toileting, bathing, sleeping, and household chores easier. You will likely need a family member or live-in assistant for a few days to weeks, depending on the speed of your recovery.

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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Alcohol abuse a factor in broken hip

April 22nd — admin

My 66-year old father fell and broke his hip. He was drinking at the time the accident happened. The doctors think the hip broke first and then he fell because he has osteonecrosis. What is this?

The term osteonecrosis refers to the death of bone and bone marrow. This occurs when there’s a loss of blood flow to the area. Two other terms for this condition are: avascular necrosis and aseptic necrosis. Avascular means “without blood” and aseptic means “without infection.”

Alcohol abuse leads to a change in how fat is broken down and used. This process is called fat metabolism. Tiny pieces of fat can break off like a blood clot and block the blood vessel. This is what happens in the case of osteonecrosis from alcoholism.

Once the blood flow to the hip is cut off, bone cells start to die. The bone weakens and collapses or breaks. A fall or other injury may be the first sign there’s a problem.

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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How can having a total hip replacement improve my sleep?

March 10th — 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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Obesity a factor in total hip replacement surgery

December 28th — admin

I have been overweight all my life and now my hips are so bad with arthritis I need replacements. The doctor has told me to lose weight, but how much is enough?

A recent report on 851 cases of total hip replacement included information on patient demographics. This refers to data about the patients’ ages, gender, diagnosis, and body mass index (BMI).

BMI is calculated based on height and weight. It helps show how much body fat you have. Health risks from carrying too much weight include heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.

A BMI in the “healthy” range does not always mean the person is fit and healthy. Poor diet and genetics can put an average person at risk for health concerns. Keep in mind the BMI does not take into account body frame. A muscular, large-framed person’s BMI could indicate obesity, but this may not be the case.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer a website with easy calculations of your BMI. You can do this by going to:

http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/calc-bmi.htm

Once you’ve found your BMI ask your doctor about a reasonable weight loss plan. Studies show results after a hip replacement are best in patients with a BMI of 30 or less.

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. For more information on this subject, visit www.zehrcenter.com.

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Pinning vs. total hip replacement

December 22nd — admin

I’m writing to you from a hospital bed after tripping over a shoe lace and breaking my hip (a femoral neck fracture). I don’t have much time before the nurses come in and scold me for being on the computer. Please tell me the pros and cons of having the bone pinned together versus having the joint replaced.

You didn’t mention your age or bone status, two important points in making these choices. Older patients (65 years old and older) with poor bone density may not be able to grow enough new bone to heal a fracture that’s pinned. The hip replacement may be the best option.

Is the fracture stable (fracture line hasn’t moved), separated (bone has drifted apart) or impacted (one side of the fracture is pushed into the other side)? A stable fracture that hasn’t moved or shifted is often treated by internal fixation. This means screws are used to hold the bone together until it heals.

If the fracture can’t be pinned together or if there are serious arthritic changes in and around the bone and joint, then a joint replacement may be needed. According to the results of a recent study, older adults have better results with a total hip replacement.

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. For more information on this subject, visit www.zehrcenter.com.

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Specialists undecided on treatment for displaced femoral fracture

December 17th — admin

My 82-year old father is in an assisted living center. He was hospitalized two days ago for a broken hip bone. I guess it’s what’s called a displaced femoral fracture. He’s had three specialists consult on the case. They can’t seem to decide what’s the best way to treat the problem. Is this unusual? Should we move him to a different hospital?

A displaced fracture of the femur (thigh bone) means the bone broke and the two ends either separated or shifted. In other words, the broken pieces of the bone don’t line up anymore.

Femoral fractures are very common in the United States, especially with the aging of America. The type of fracture you’re describing can cause quite a bit of disability for the patient. Some patients are unable to get back to their former level of function. They may have to give up independent living. They may go from being able to walk to being confined to a wheelchair.

The goal of treatment is always to get the patient back to a prefracture level of function. Treatment is usually an operation to repair or replace the bone. Repair may be done using screws to hold the two ends of bone together until healing takes place. This is called internal fixation. It may be necessary to replace part or all of the hip joint.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right treatment. The patient’s age, bone density, mental status, and other health issues are important. Most likely the doctors are meeting to confer on which treatment would give your father the best chance for recovery based on his individual factors.

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. For more information on this subject, visit www.zehrcenter.com.

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