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Hip Replacement Devices



Hips deteriorating are one of the things that will sooner or later happen. With this, one of the most valuable devices is the so called hip replacement device where in when the hips will be at its worst condition; this medical device will replaced the diseased hip for one to properly function again. As we all know, a diseased hip will just gives us difficulties like painful walking which can in the long run lead to immobility. However, when the time will come that we will be faced with deteriorating hips, we should be very careful about choosing what hip replacement device to use because of the issues being thrown at the DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement and FDA’s regulatory process. Now, here are the type of devices for you to be armed with the right information so that you can choose and talk to your doctor about the best kind of medical hip replacement device.

Types of Hip Replacement Devices

Metal with Polyethylene Liner Devices

  • This type of hip replacement device is the unpopular one. This type of hip replacement device has been given a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. However, a lot of negative things is said to happen on this kind of device that physicians will rarely advised for this implant to be used.

Ceramic on Ceramic Devices

  • This is one of the new hip replacement devices to come. Before, metal on metal devices which will be discussed later is seen as the best hip replacement device in the market until metallic ions were seen to be a cause of worry because it has the potential to mix into the blood and cause metallosis. As for this ceramic on ceramic hip replacement device, it is seen as the very best choice especially for the young and the active because there is lesser chance of it fracturing.

Metal on Metal Devices

  • This kind of device has been in the market for around 9 years and has been used by a lot of people. There were even reports that this kind of device is said to last for a lifetime. However, they were unable to foresee that it may also cause complications like causing metallosis. In fact, the DePuy Pinnacle hip replacement which is a metal on metal device has been found out to cause metallosis which is why some people have already filed for a lawsuit against its manufacturer.

References:


http://bonesmart.org/hip/total-hip-replacement-implants/
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00355
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/04/health/04metalhip.html





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When Can I Recover From A Hip Replacement Surgery?

The being usual of a hip surgery is quite common these days. This has got to do with the fact that 90% of all hip surgery is said to be successful. Right now, fear is never a common response for a hip replacement surgery. However, they are curious about the length of time recovering from a hip replacement surgery. Yet, there are still hip replacement surgeries that are not doing well. And maybe, it has to do with the fact that "people with arthritis resulting to hip surgery can also experience depression".

Basic Facts and the Necessity of the Occurrence of A Hip Replacement Surgery

  • Despite suffering from hip arthritis pains, hip surgery is not the immediate answer.
  • Before a hip replacement surgery, other treatments are considered first.
  • Hip surgery can only happen if all else fails.
  • Replacing our hip joints with a prosthetic implant is what happens in a hip replacement surgery.

Preparation For A Hip Replacement Surgery

If a hip replacement surgery is said to take place then we can see how serious the hip arthritis is. Here’s what the usual preparation before a doctor will perform the surgical procedure:

  • CBC also known as complete blood count is the process of counting one’s number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
  • Level of electrolytes evaluation.
  • Blood tests to ensure the functionality of one's liver and kidney.
  • Urinalysis, X-rays, and EKG.
  • Complete physical examination.
  • Evaluation of current medications.

These procedures are important before a hip surgery because this will ensure if the individual is fit enough to undergo a procedure. Moreover, this will also ensure that complications will not happen during the surgery.

How Much Time Do I Need In Order To Recover From A Hip Replacement Surgery?

Recovery is one of the main concerns in every surgery.According to doctors, three months is the maximum time we can give for a person to fully recover after a hip replacement surgery. After three months, the person is sure to be back into his/her full activity.

Full recovery can only be longer than three months if complications happen. In fact, this have happened on people who have used a defective DePuy Pinnacle system. In fact, a "Pinnacle lawsuit" is already being filed by a number of people.

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Revision Surgery in Hip Replacement

Revision is defined as modifying something so it’ll be better than its original. In revision surgery, an earlier procedure will be revised because the complications hinder the patient’s normal functioning. In hip replacement surgeries due to hip fractures, a revision surgery is needed when the prosthetic devices have been damaged due to wear and tear and other reasons.

A Brief on Hip Replacement

Hip Replacement is performed to get rid of the damaged hip joints and cartilage and be replaced with prosthetic devices like DePuy Pinnacle Hip Replacement device. The procedure typically lasts 2 to 4 hours and the prognosis is generally good. Usually, hospital stay will not be more than 5 days and it will take around 3 to 6 months to have full recovery if the patient adheres to the treatment and rehabilitation plan.

When is Revision Surgery Needed?

Surgeons perform hip revision surgery for 2 main reasons: if pain is severe and the disability cannot be managed by other treatment modalities and the extent of damage shown in x-ray tests is serious and operation is needed immediately. Hip Revision usually becomes necessary if the following conditions will arise:
  •     Infection
        Infection in the tissues surrounding the prosthetic device needs immediate medical attention because it can further spread to different sites and may potentially damage the hip bone. We wouldn't want a systemic infection to happen and spread throughout the body.
  •     Fractures
            Hip injury is considered as the top cause of fractures in America. The majority of those who underwent hip replacement belong to the elderly and incidentally, they are also considered to be the most at risk for fractures.
  •     Loosening of the Artificial Hip Joints
            The hip device is initially tight-fitted into the bone so it will stay in place but over time, wear and tear will loosen the device and can begin to move into small amounts. This phenomenon causes pain and patient’s range of motion will be limited. It will take an average of 15-20 years for these devices to last but some like those manufactured by DePuy compelled the patients to file for a DePuy Pinnacle Lawsuit because of premature loosening of the devices which happened a couple of years after hip replacement. This is a very serious situation because replacing the device is much more difficult and usually not as successful as the first operation.

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