Total
hip replacement can benefit individuals suffering from a variety
of hip problems resulting from either wear and tear from a lifetime
of activity or from disease and injury. Some of the common hip problems
leading to total hip replacement are:
Osteoarthritis
is a specific form of degenerative arthritis caused by wear and
tear from overuse or from aging. The cartilage surface that normally
covers and cushions the ends of the femur and the lining of the
acetabulum, begins to wear thin causing the hip
bone to rub against the socket. This results the erosion and misshaping
of bone tissue. When the hip joint deteriorates, as a result either
of arthritis or injury, the resulting pain, stiffness, and limitation
of motion can be oppressive.
Early symptoms of osteoarthritis may be controlled
through medication and exercise. However, when pain becomes so severe
that the individual can no longer be helped with medication and
when activities of daily living are significantly reduced, hip replacement
surgery may be the next step.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic,
autoimmune disease causing inflammation of the
joint lining called the synovial membrane, and
destruction and deformity of bone, cartilage, ligament, and muscle
tissue.
Traumatic arthritis is a type of
arthritis resulting from a hip injury that can cause debilitating
pain leading to replacement of the hip. The articular cartilage
can tear, allowing the potential for increased friction and accelerated
degeneration of the joint.
Avascular necrosis
is the result of a loss of blood supply to the ball or head of the
femur bone. As a result, articular cartilage wears away leaving
a "bone on bone" interaction for hip joint movement.
Other abnormalities of the hip joint that could
result in a need for a hip replacement include:
Benign and malignant bone tumors can alter the
shape and congruency of the joint and also disrupt blood supply
of the joint, affecting articular cartilage.
Paget's disease occurs mainly in the elderly.
Bones become enlarged and weakened, with the potential of a fracture
or deformity of the hip bones.
