$Unique_ID{BRK01555}
$Pretitle{Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue}
$Title{How Long Will a New Hip Replacement Hold Up?}
$Subject{hip surgery replacement}
$Volume{M-17}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How Long Will a New Hip Replacement Hold Up?


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QUESTION:  I had a hip replacement several days ago and am now in my initial
period of recuperating, working hard to get back to normal.  I have a fine
surgeon who thoroughly explained my operation to me, but as I sit here I can't
help but wonder what the future holds in store.  Just what can I expect now,
and how long will this new hip hold up?

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ANSWER:  The news I have for you is certainly optimistic, but let me first
state that I am going to have to make a few generalizations, as I do not know
all the specifics of your situation.  Younger patients do better than older
ones, not too astonishingly.  And your body weight is a real factor, as hips
do fail more frequently in individuals over the weight of 180 pounds.  An
interesting side light is that hip replacements will fail more frequently than
knee replacements, probably because hip patients feel almost completely normal
after the operation, and tend to put more stress on their new joint than they
should.  But that is the greatest thing about the operation, the relief of
pain, which was probably a key indication for having the operation.  You are
in a period of great importance to the eventual success of the procedure, when
the correct physical therapy program will get you back on your feet in the
gradual, but continual manner that attains the best longtime results.  The
good news is that you can count on from 10 to 15 years of service from your
new hip, possibly longer, while following the golden rule of all patients with
joint replacements "use it, but don't abuse it".  You do have some special
precautions to be aware of which consist of proper antibiotic treatment before
certain dental and surgical procedures.  Be sure to inform any doctor or
dentist of the presence of your hip, and obtain the correct prophylactic
antibiotic treatment when necessary.  And if the surfaces that bear the weight
and provide the ability for movement (articulating surfaces) begin to show
wear after a time, it is not always necessary to replace the whole prosthesis,
but merely replace these surfaces, a bit like getting new brake pads for your
car.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
