When Non-surgical Therapies Fail, Consult The Experts

By Author: Adele Warner
Total Articles: 3
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Surgery can be an intimidating thought, but often it is the key to a more mobile and pain-free lifestyle. For those who suffer chronic hip pain, bipolar hip replacement is a surgical solution that offers a treatment where conservative methods have failed. The hip is a ball and socket joint made up of the femur (thigh bone) and its union with the pelvis at the acetabulum. The acetabulum is a rounded, cup-shaped portion of the pelvis in which the top of the femur, called the femoral head, fits into in order to allow smooth motion and rotation. Surgery is generally performed to repair a worn or damaged joint, replacing the deteriorated bone with a type of prosthesis. The portion of the bone that is replaced determines the type of surgery: a bipolar replacement targets the ball of the hip, a total prosthesis replaces both the head of the femur and the acetabulum.

What Causes Deterioration?

Patients might require surgery for a variety of reasons, including arthritis or acute injury. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease affecting primarily adults middle-aged and older, causing the breakdown of joint cartilage ...
... and adjacent bones. Rheumatoid arthritis works from an inflammatory response, causing pain and stiffness when the lubricating joint fluid, called synovial fluid, builds up in excess. Patients might also suffer arthritis as a result of injury, causing damage to cartilage that is very painful. Fractures are another leading cause for hip replacements; this type of injury limits mobility and is often the result of a fall. Krauss Muskuloskeletal Institute provides unparalleled standards of care and specialized methodology for bipolar hip replacement.

When Is it Time for Surgery?

For those who have suffered a fracture, surgery is often the only answer. However, in the case of arthritis, patients are generally recommended to pursue non-surgical treatments prior to surgery to see if conservative therapies can manage their pain. These treatments include medications to reduce inflammation, bone support through supplements, prescription pain medicine and physical therapy. Using a device to aid mobility, such as a cane or walker, can also be a helpful way to reduce pain, or simply reducing the frequency of painful activities. A medical professional will be your best resource when it comes time to determine your timeline for surgery; seeking the opinion of a trusted specialist can give you confidence that you are pursuing the right course of action for your long-term health.

What Should I Expect?

When you and your medical team determine that you are ready to undergo surgical hip repair, your surgeon should provide you with informational resources explaining the procedures and protocols for the week of surgery. As a patient, it is important that you feel very comfortable with the team providing your medical care. Look for physicians who offer the option to tour facilities, conduct thorough initial assessments, provide pre-op education, arrange follow-up rehabilitation care and have staff that are accessible for emergencies and questions. Taking preparatory measures leading up to surgery helps eliminate the potential for problems following your bipolar hip replacement, letting you feel confident in your recovery plan.

When it’s time for take more serious measures to address your hip pain, surgical intervention can offer a much more mobile and pain-free way of life. Taking the time to find a surgical team you can trust will benefit you most over time; pre-op education and post-op follow-up are important components that should be addressed by your provider.