Younger workers may be candidates for hip resurfacing.

February 4th — admin

I am a plumber in business for myself. After 20 years of crawling and climbing in cramped places, my right hip is about wore out. The doc says I’m too young for a hip replacement. I’ve been told I might be a good candidate for a joint resurfacing job. What good is that?

Accepting activity restrictions can be very difficult when your livelihood depends on moving freely. Workers of all types may be at risk of losing their jobs from disability of this type. Even some older but still active athletes face this same situation.

Over the last 25 years, major advancements in the treatment of hip arthritis have taken place. Improved implant materials and design have greatly improved the results of surgery.

Hip resurfacing arthroplasty is a new type of hip replacement. It replaces the arthritic surface of the joint but removes far less bone than the traditional total hip replacement.

Younger patients prefer this operation. Since hip resurfacing removes less bone, it leaves patients with options for revision surgery later if needed. Many patients are able to return to their prearthritic activity level, even workers involved in heavy labor.

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 a 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 resurfacing get this horsewoman back in the saddle?

November 29th — admin

I am an active horsewoman with a busy horse farm. Because of my severe hip arthritis, I can’t ride anymore. Would the new hip resurfacing surgery I saw advertised in the paper put me back in the saddle again?

It’s very possible. Younger adults with active lifestyles who are too young for a total hip replacement are turning to this new option. Instead of cutting off the head of the femur (thighbone), the surgeon puts a cap over the damaged bone.

If and when you need a total hip replacement years from now, the bone will be undisturbed. At that time, the surgeon can remove the damaged bone and replace it with a complete implant. And you won’t lose leg length from having a second hip surgery.

Hip resurfacing isn’t an option for everyone. An orthopedic surgeon will need to assess your situation. If you are a good candidate for this procedure, you may be able to start riding again two to three months after the operation.

Rehab begins right away. A physical therapist will work with you to restore motion, function, balance, and coordination. Be sure and let your surgeon and your therapist know your goal to return to riding. Your treatment can be tailored with that in mind.

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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The best candidate for hip rsurfacing

November 11th — admin

I am a 35-year old hospital nurse. Eighteen months ago, I tried to help a patient keep from falling. In the process, I tore the labrum (cartilage) in my hip. Even though I’m fairly young, the X-ray showed advanced arthritis on top of the injury. Would I be a good candidate for a hip resurfacing instead of a total joint replacement?

The best candidate for a hip resurfacing is a young, active patient who has moderate to early advanced arthritis. Patients who have had this operation range anywhere from 16 to 60 years old.

The advantage of the procedure is that it preserves much of the patient’s own hip. This makes it possible to have a total hip replacement later when the person is older. Older adults are less likely to outlive their implant.

Hip resurfacing may only affect the head of the femur or it may involve both the femoral head and the hip socket. The procedure is used because it removes as little bone from around the hip as possible.

The femoral component used during hip resurfacing is placed on the outside of the femoral head. The femoral shaft is never disturbed. This means that when a revision is needed, the femoral shaft can be used to hold the femoral component as if there has never been an artificial joint. The bone in this area has not been drilled, cut, shaved, or removed in any way.

Your surgeon will be able to advise you as to whether or not you may be a good candidate for this procedure. It is not advised for anyone with bone cysts or inflammatory arthritis. It is not for patients with severe arthritis or osteoporosis.

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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