NASA pressure chamber could help speed rehab

August 24th — admin

I’ve heard there’s a pressure chamber designed for NASA that might be used in the future for rehab after knee and hip injuries. What can you tell me about this?

Astronauts are subject to many possible problems due to travel in a gravity free environment. Muscles start to waste away. Bones get brittle and the heart and lungs start to get deconditioned.

Exercise in space has not been able to help staff keep muscle strength and mass. Treadmills with bungee cords have been tried but the harness is uncomfortable. A lower body negative pressure chamber has been devised to help with this problem.

The chamber is a rectangle-shaped box that forms a vacuum around the lower body. It’s sealed at the waist. A special saddle helps the legs stay relaxed while supported. Pressure can be lowered to reduce the force on the joints equal to 20 percent of the person’s body weight.

Using this idea might be helpful with patients who need to get up and moving but can’t put weight on their leg. This could apply to patients with hip and knee surgeries, amputations, and even strokes. It’s not available for commercial use yet. It’s still being tested for patient use.

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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Will Mom outlive her hip implant?

August 18th — admin

My mother is thinking about having a total hip replacement. She’s 72-years old. The doctor says the new implants last about 15 to 20 years. Does anyone have an implant that lasts longer than that? As she gets older, a second hip replacement may not work so well. We’d like to avoid that if possible.

Long-term studies over 15, 20, and even 25 years are being reported more and more. The revision rate of the earlier implants may turn out to be higher than rates for implants used today. The materials, design, and even the surgery are much improved over even 10 years ago.

One study from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics reported on 357 cases of total hip replacement (THR) done by one surgeon. All patients got the same kind of implant called the Charnley THR. This type of implant was put in using hand-packed cement. Today many implants are cementless or cemented in place with a cement gun for a better fit.

All of the patients still living had the implant at least 25 years. Many of the patients who had died still had the original Charnley implant at the time of their death. About 10 per cent of the patients had to have an implant revision because of infection, dislocation, or implant loosening.

At age 72, your mother’s implant has a good chance of outliving her. Revision or replacement of the first THR may not be needed. The new implant methods reduce pain, increase function, and improve quality of life for most patients.

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 age of the average patient who gets a hip replacement?

August 13th — admin

What’s the age of the average patient who gets a hip replacement?

It used to be the average age of a total hip recipient was mid-60s or older. Because the typical implant lasts around 15 to 20 years, surgeons waited until patients were older before giving them a total hip replacement (THR).

That policy is slowly changing based on several factors. First is demand. As adults remain active longer, the need for joint replacement earlier is increasing. Second, the materials and methods used with THR have improved dramatically over the last two decades. Better and better long-term results are being reported. The age and type of patients eligible for THR is expanding every year.

According to a large 25-year prospective (looking back) study, the average age of patients getting their first THR has been around 69 years old. The age range was from 24 to 88 and older. If there are no complications, today’s THRs can last 25 years or more.

Some patients report pain, stiffness, and loss of physical function as time goes by. Most aging adults slow down their activity level anyway so the decline in function doesn’t impair their life style. Researchers hope that with improved implants, better long-term results will make it possible to stay active longer.

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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Cause of chronic hip pain not found in X-rays

August 10th — admin

I’m 33 years old and having chronic hip pain. X-rays are negative. I can’t recall doing anything to hurt myself. Where do I go from here?

If X-rays were the only imaging tests done, then you may need additional testing. Studies show that 75 percent of patients with hip pain have no X-ray findings. CT scans are used if there’s been an injury and the doctor suspects a bone fragment. Other conditions show up better with an MRI.

Labral (cartilage) tears may be seen best with a special gadolinium enhanced MRI. One other useful X-ray to detect labral tears is a fluoroscopically-guided injection of dye into the hip joint. If your doctor is unable to find the cause and symptoms persist despite conservative care, there’s one more test available.

Hip arthroscopy has been shown especially useful in identifying hip joint problems in young adults who do not have arthritic joint changes. Your next step should be to make a follow up appointment with your physician. Be patient as it may take a little time to find the underlying cause of your symptoms. A step-by-step approach is cost-effective and usually fairly accurate in the long-run.

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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MRA more accurate than MRI for ddetermining cause of hip pain

June 18th — admin

What is magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA)? I’ve heard of MRI but not MRA. My doctor wants me to have an MRA to help figure out what’s wrong with my hip.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance arthrography (MRA) are very similar tools. MRA is basically MRI for the joints. It is more accurate in detecting joint problems. MRI can confirm there’s a problem in the joint. MRA shows exactly what is the abnormality.

CT scans work well for bone lesions around the hip. CT scan shows places where the bone might have a tumor, abnormal anatomy, or necrosis (dead cells).

If you ever need surgery on the hip, advanced imaging studies of this type are very important. The more details the surgeon can see ahead of time, the better the surgical plan with no (or very few) last minute surprises.

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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Compare these two total hip replacement surgeries

December 31st — admin

I’ve had two total hip replacements. The first was a full incision and took me six months to get back on my feet and up to speed. The second one was three weeks ago with two tiny cuts. I’m already walking without a walker for up to 30 minutes. I still have a little trouble with stairs but that seems to be coming. Is a smaller incision really all that makes the difference?

The operation you had is called a minimally invasive total hip replacement (THR). Two small incisions are made: one in the front of the hip and one to the side. Besides the small cuts, there are other important differences from the standard THR.

No muscles or tendons are cut in a minimally invasive THR. The joint capsule is cut, but not removed. The joint itself is removed in several pieces. No cement is used to hold the new implant in place.

Overall, less trauma to the soft tissues and joint mean less pain and a faster recovery time. Patients can stop taking pain killers and get back to normal function faster. In fact most patients are able to put weight on the operated leg the same day as the surgery. Many go home in the first 24 hours.

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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How could I have dislocated my hip after a total hip replacement?

September 11th — admin
A year ago I had a total hip replacement done. Last week I was out gardening on my hands and knees and it dislocated. I thought I was all healed. What happened?

 
Many factors can play a part in hip dislocation after replacement. For example, which side of your hip is the scar located? Any position you get in that can push the hip in that direction has the potential to cause a dislocation.

When you are on your hands and knees, you have your body weight against that hip. If you twist or angle your body against the hip, injury can occur. Your weight and bone density are also important factors. Being overweight means that much more pressure through the hip. Having osteoporosis (brittle bones) or decreased bone density makes it harder for the bone to grow around the new implant and hold it in place. Bone or muscle weakness can also lead to injury.

Most patients are given positioning precautions for the first 12 weeks post-op. In theory at 12 months you should be free to assume any position possible. In practice, sometimes our theories (and hips) don’t hold up.

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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Is 42-years old too young for a hip replacement?

September 10th — admin
I’m 42-years old and have one very bad hip. For some unknown reason my right hip is deteriorating. I know I’m too young for a hip replacement. Is there anything that can give me relief from the pain and a chance to keep my active lifestyle?

 
If you’ve been turned down by your surgeon for a hip joint replacement, then you’ve probably been advised about pain medications. If not, be sure and ask your doctor what over-the-counter or prescription drugs would be helpful.

Research continues to look at joint replacement in younger patients. In the meantime, hip fusion is emerging as a possible alternative operation. When hip fusion is done with the hip in a good position, pain relief and improved function are the results. With a solid fusion you’ll have steady pain relief.

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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Surgery sometimes needed to find cause of hip pain

August 28th — admin

Even with the best imaging equipment, sometimes the surgeon doesn’t really find out what’s causing the patient’s hip pain until he or she is looking inside the joint during surgery. Here’s one reason why

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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Can cryotherapy ease the pain after hip surgery?

August 27th — admin
When I had my knee replaced the therapists used cold therapy on it everyday. It really seemed to help with the pain and swelling. I just had a hip replacement. The cold treatment was never used on the hip. How come?

 
Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy is thought to help joints that are closer to the surface of the skin. The knee doesn’t have much soft tissue, fat, or muscle covering the joint. The cold can get down into the joint easier.

Large muscles and at least one layer of fat cover the hip. It’s always been thought unlikely that the cooling action would reach deep into the hip joint.

However a new study from Japan may prove this idea wrong. They used cryotherapy with a group of 23 total hip replacement patients. The group was compared to another group who had a hip replacement but without cold therapy afterwards.

The researchers report good success with the cold therapy. Patients got pain relief faster. They used fewer pain meds. They could begin rehab sooner. Based on this study, the use of cold after hip surgery may become more popular in the months and years ahead.

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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