What is sports medicine?
North Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeons are experienced with sports medicine and employ trained and experienced orthopedic sports medicine physicians serving Scottsdale, Tempe, Paradise Valley and all of Phoenix Arizona. Whether you are an amateur or a professional athlete you can be assured an orthopedic specialist within NPOS will be available and qualified to care to your orthopedic sports medicine needs.
Common injuries that require an orthopedic sports medicine physician or orthopedic specialist may include:
- Runners Knee. According to the Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons approximately 1 in 4 injuries in sports medicine involve the knee. Runners Knee, or patellofemoral stress, can cause irritation of the tendons below the kneecap due to overuse, wear or arthritis .
- Ankle Sprains. They account for approximately 1 in 5 injuries in sports medicine. Twisting an ankle is very common for an athlete during a sporting event. Although ankle sprains heal with time, get the injury x-rayed by an orthopedic sports medicine physician to make sure that there are no fractures or chipped bones.
- Shin Splints. Refers to pain in the middle part of the shin. Shin splints can be caused by improper shoes for the activity and are often be treated with ice, anti-inflammatory and stretching of the lower legs muscles.
- Pulled Muscles - Pulls or tears can occur in any muscle, however, they often occur most often in the hamstring, calf and groin area. Pulled muscles can most often be attributed to improper warm up.
- Low Back Pain. Lumbar strain is very common injury for many athletes, especially weight lifters. Often injury occurs with insufficiently warmed up or stretched muscles. Lumbar strain is often treatable with regular targeted exercises. More serious injuries including sciatica and bulging discs require immediate orthopedic medical attention.
To make an appointment with our orthopedic sports medicine doctor, physician or specialist contact us.
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What is osteoarthritis?
Arthritis is a general term that describes inflammation in joints. Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis. It is associated with a breakdown of cartilage in joints. Any joint in the body may be affected, but it most commonly occurs in the hips, knees, shoulder, and spine.
Cartilage is a firm, rubbery material that covers the ends of bones in normal joints. Its main function is to reduce friction in the joints and serve as a "shock absorber." The shock-absorbing quality of normal cartilage comes from its ability to change shape when compressed.
Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage in a joint to become stiff and lose its elasticity, making it more susceptible to damage. Over time, the cartilage may wear away in some areas, greatly decreasing its ability to act as a shock-absorber. As the cartilage wears away, tendons and ligaments stretch, causing pain. If the condition worsens, the bones could rub against each other and the need for osteoarthritis treatment including medication or surgery may become necessary. Knee osteoarthritis and hip osteoarthritis symptome include:
- Knee/Hip aching and soreness, especially with movement
- Knee/Hip Swelling
- Pain after overuse or after long periods of inactivity
Osteoarthritis affects almost 16 million men and women in the United States. The chance of developing osteoarthritis increases with age. Most people over age 60 have osteoarthritis symptoms to some degree, but its severity varies, and some people develop more severe arthritis symptoms than others.
Early non-surgical osteoarthritis treatment can slow the progression of the disease. Most treatment programs consist of lifestyle modifications, medications, and physical therapies. If there is no osteoarthritis pain relief after early treatment, the physician may choose to do surgery depending upon age, level of activity, and the condition of the affected joint.
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Source:
MSN Health With WebMD (2001). Understanding Osteoarthritis. health.msn.com (18 July, 2003)
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What is arthroplasty?
Arthroplasty is surgical reconstruction or replacement of a malformed or degenerated joint. Orthopedic surgery including total knee and hip arthroplasty is available for those that are needing a knee or hip replacement. Our Orthopedic Surgery center also offers shoulder replacement surgery including total shoulder arthroplasty for Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, Paradise Valley, Mesa and all of Phoenix Arizona.
Total knee and total hip arthroplasty are surgical procedures the orthopedic physicians at North Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeons specialize in. If a knee or hip is severely damaged by arthritis or injury, and non-surgical treatments are no longer helpful, arthroplasty would most likely be the next option.
The total knee arthroplasty and the total hip arthroplasty are the two most common procedures. Less common, but just as successful in relieving joint pain, is total shoulder arthroplasty. This procedure may be recommended if arthritis or degenerative joint disease makes your shoulder stiff and painful or if the upper arm bone is fractured so badly that tissue death may result. Knee replacement, hip replacement and shoulder arthroplasty are highly technical procedures that should be performed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon.
North Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeons evaluate each case individually before making the decision whether or not arthroplasty is for you.
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What is hip replacement surgery?
Hip replacement surgery, arthroscopic, partial or total hip replacement for those that are needing hip joint replacement, hip revision surgery. First performed in 1960, hip replacement surgery is one of the most important orthopedic surgical techniques of this century. Since then, improvements and advances in joint replacement surgery and technology have greatly increased the effectiveness of hip surgery. More than 168,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the United States.
If your hip has been damaged by arthritis, a fracture or other conditions, common activities such as walking or getting in and out of a chair may be painful and difficult. Resting and sitting may even feel uncomfortable.
If medications, changes in your everyday activities, and the use of walking aids such as a cane are not helpful, you may want to consider hip surgery. You can have a partial hip replacement, total hip replacement surgery or if only one part of the joint is damaged, a partial hip replacement may be recommended. If the whole joint is damaged, an artificial joint (total hip replacement surgery) can relieve your pain and help you get back to enjoying normal, everyday activities.
Hip replacement surgery by experienced orthopedic surgeons is highly successful in relieving pain and restoring movement. However, the ongoing problems with wear and tear may eventually need additional surgery, including replacing the prosthesis (hip revision surgery). Men and patients who weigh more than 165 pounds have higher rates of failure. The chance of a hip replacement lasting 20 years is about 80 percent.
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What is knee replacement surgery?
If you need knee surgery, whether it be an arthroscopic knee surgery, reconstructive knee surgery, or a partial or total knee replacement, North Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeons are highly trained, experienced physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of the musculoskeletal system, including the knee.
The most often treated site by orthopedic surgeons is the knee. The knee is vulnerable to more injuries for different reasons. It may be treated non-surgically, however more severe injuries to the knee could require reconstructive or arthroscopic knee surgery for correction.
If your knee is severely damaged by arthritis or injury, it may be hard for you to perform simple activities such as walking or climbing stairs. You may even begin to feel pain while you’re sitting or lying down.
If medications, changing your activity level, and using walking supports are no longer helpful, you may want to consider partial or total knee replacement surgery. By resurfacing your knee’s damaged and worn surfaces, total knee replacement surgery can relieve your pain, correct your leg deformity and help you resume your normal activities.
One of the most important orthopedic surgery advances of this century, knee joint replacement was first performed in the late 1960s. Surgical materials and techniques have improved since then and have greatly increased its effectiveness. In the United States, about 267,000 total knee replacements are performed each year. There is also the option of partial knee replacement, which depends on the severity of your arthritis or injury. You and your physician would make a joint decision on which procedure, a total knee replacement or a partial knee replacement, would fit your needs best.
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What is shoulder replacement surgery?
Shoulder surgery may be an option you may need to consider if you have a hard time rotating your shoulder in every direction, lack strength to carry out normal daily activities, or the shoulder feels like it could pop out of the socket at any moment. The physicians at North Phoenix Orthopedic Surgeons are highly trained professionals with experience in arthroscopic shoulder surgery, total shoulder replacement, frozen shoulder surgery, and dislocated shoulder surgery for Scottsdale, Tempe, Paradise Valley, Chandler and all of Phoenix Arizona.
Arthroscopic shoulder surgery could be done to treat rotator cuff tears, depending on the size, depth, and location of the tear. Orthopedic shoulder arthroscopy is where instruments are inserted into small incisions, and can be used to remove bone spurs or inflamed muscle and repair lesser tears.
A total shoulder replacement may be recommended if arthritis or degenerative joint disease makes your shoulder stiff and painful or if the upper arm bone is fractured so badly that tissue death may result. Orthopedic shoulder replacement surgery replaces damaged surfaces with artificial parts (prostheses).
Frozen shoulder surgery is performed when a shoulder has lost all range of motion. It is most probably caused from inflammation in the joint as well as immobilization of the joint due to trauma or surgery. Frozen shoulder surgery is done arthroscopically, but must be maintained with physical therapy to keep a good range of motion and restore function.
If you dislocate your shoulder, your orthopedic surgeon will put it back into place (a closed reduction) and then immobilize your shoulder for several weeks. If your shoulder dislocation becomes a chronic condition, a brace can sometimes help. However, if therapy and bracing fail, then you may need orthopedic dislocated shoulder surgery to repair or tighten torn or stretched ligaments.
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What is arthrscopic surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is a common orthopedic procedure that is used to diagnose and treat problems in joints. The word "arthroscopy" comes from two Greek words: 'arthro,' meaning "joint," and 'scope,' meaning "look." Arthroscopic surgery simply means to look inside a joint.
Arthroscopic surgery is most commonly performed on the knee and shoulder joints. The reason the knee and shoulder are the most commonly arthroscoped joints is because the surgeon can manipulate the instruments around them easier than the wrist, elbow, ankle, and hip, and they are amenable to arthroscopic surgery treatments.
When an arthroscopy is performed, a camera is inserted into the joint through a small incision (about one centimeter). The arthroscopic surgery camera is attached to a fiber optic light source and shows a picture of the inside of the joint on a television monitor so the operating team is aware of the type of surgical procedure being conducted. Fluid is inserted into the joint to allow more maneuverability and to remove any debris. The procedure is performed under anesthesia and the inside of the joint is examined for damaged tissue. One or more other incisions are made to insert instruments that can treat the underlying problem. For example, a shaver can be inserted to trim the edges of a cartilage tear.
The most common types of arthroscopic surgery include: removal or repair of a torn meniscus, removal of loose debris, ligament reconstruction and trimming damaged cartilage.
Arthroscopy is less invasive and less traumatic to the muscles, ligaments, and tissues than the method of surgically opening the knee with long incisions, also known as an arthrotomy. The benefits of arthroscopy include: smaller incisions, faster healing, a quicker recovery, and minor scarring. Arthroscopic surgical procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis and typically the patient returns home the same day.
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What are Synvisc injections?
SYNVISC (Hylan G-F 20) is an FDA-approved therapy that provides lubrication for your knee. It also acts as a "shock absorber" to cushion your knee joint.
SYNVISC is an elastic and viscous fluid that is made from a substance called hyaluronan that is found in normal joint fluid. Hyaluronan acts as a "shock absorber" and lubricant in your knee joint and is needed for your joint to work properly. SYNVISC is indicated for the treatment of pain in osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee in patients who have failed to respond adequately to conservative nonpharmacologic therapy, and simple analgesics, e.g., acetaminophen.
SYNVISC is not a drug. It is made from a substance that is found in normal joint fluid and is injected directly into the knee joint.
In knees with osteoarthritis, normal joint fluid, called synovial fluid, becomes thinner and loses its elasticity and viscosity (ability to lubricate). The osteoarthritic synovial fluid cannot provide "cushioning" in your knee joint. Without this cushioning, the cartilage in your knee joint may be more likely to wear down over time. This deterioration along with the loss of cushioning can contribute to pain and stiffness in your knee.
SYNVISC (Hylan G-F 20) is injected directly into your knee joint by a qualified health care professional to help restore the cushioning effect and lubrication of normal, healthy synovial fluid. This treatment is called viscosupplementation.
Successful treatment with SYNVISC can help reduce knee pain from osteoarthritis, allowing you to return to a more comfortable, active life. Your doctor may ask you to temporarily avoid strenuous activity after treatment with SYNVISC.
A health care professional injects SYNVISC (Hylan G-F 20) directly into your knee joint three times, 7 days apart, over a 15-day period (days 1, 8, and 15). To get the best results from SYNVISC therapy, your health care professional will remove the diseased osteoarthritic synovial fluid from your knee before the injection of SYNVISC.
Completion of the full three-injection treatment course is necessary to achieve the greatest benefit. Most patients feel the greatest pain relief 8 to 12 weeks after beginning treatment.
For more information on SYNVISC visit www.synvisc.com.
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What is the best way to care for my cast?
For the first few days, elevate your limb to avoid any pain or swelling. Moving your uninjured fingers or toes frequently will prevent swelling and stiffness. Contact your physician if you feel any increased pain, numbness, or tingling in the hand or the foot, if the cast gets wet, or if it feels too tight or loose.
Make sure to always keep your cast dry. To avoid getting it wet in the shower, wrap your cast with a towel and cover it with a plastic bag. You can also purchase a Seal-Tight Cast and Bandage Protector by calling 1-888- DRY- CAST (1-888-379-2278).
DO NOT adjust your cast in any way, such as cutting or trimming. DO NOT put any sharp object in your cast, such as hangers, to stop itching. This may break and irritate the skin under the cast. DO NOT put powder, lotions, or perfume in the cast to do away with odor. Lastly, if you permit people to sign your cast, only use permanent markers.
If you have any further problems, questions or concerns regarding your cast and how to properly care for it, contact your treating physician.
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What are possible treatments of osteoarthritis?
In Arizona, osteoarthritis is becoming increasingly common due to the age and lifestyles of residents. But, you can help prevent serious rheumatoid or osteoarthritis conditions. Early, non-surgical treatment can slow progression of osteoarthritis symptoms, increase motion, and improve strength. Most osteoarthritis treatment programs combine lifestyle modifications, medications, and physical therapies.
Lifestyle modifications
The doctor may recommend that you rest or change activities to avoid provoking pain due to osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. You may need to modify job or sports activities. This could mean switching from high impact activities (such as aerobics, running, jumping, or competitive sports) to low impact exercises (such as stretching, walking, swimming, or cycling). If osteoarthritis affects weight-bearing joints and you are overweight, you may also need to start a weight loss program.
Medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce inflammatory and degenerative reactions. Sometimes the doctor may recommend strong anti-inflammatory agents called corticosteroids, which are injected directly into the knee, hip, neck, or ankle joint for temporary relief of pain and swelling. A newer type of injection available is Hyaluronic acid. This is an elastoviscous fluid injected once a week for 3 to 5 weeks. It may have a longer duration of effect compared to cortisone. Dietary supplements called glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may also help relieve osteoarthritis pain. (Glucosamine stimulates formation and repair of articular cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate prevents cartilage from degrading. Caution: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not test or analyze dietary supplements. These compounds may also cause negative interactions with other medications or cause excessive bleeding during surgical procedures. Always consult your doctor before taking dietary supplements.)
Physical therapy
The doctor may prescribe a balanced fitness program, physical therapy, and/or occupational therapy to improve joint flexibility, increase range of motion, strengthen muscle, bone and cartilage tissues, and reduce pain. You may need to use supportive or assistive devices (i.e., brace, splint, elastic bandage, cane, crutches or walker) and/or apply ice or heat to the affected joint for short periods, several times a day.
If early treatments do not stop the pain, our doctor may consider surgery to treat advanced osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. It depends upon your age and activity level, the condition of the affected joint, and the extent to which osteoarthritis symptoms and pain have progressed. Surgical options for osteoarthritis include arthroscopy, joint fusion and joint replacement.
Arthroscopy
A surgeon uses a pencil-sized instrument (arthroscope) and two or three small incisions to remove bone spurs, cysts, damaged lining, or loose fragments in the joint.
Joint fusion
A surgeon eliminates the joint by binding together the ends of bones (fusion). Pins, plates, screws, or rods may hold bones in place while they heal. This procedure eliminates the joint's flexibility.
Joint replacement
A surgeon removes parts of the bones and creates an artificial joint with metal or plastic components (total joint replacement or arthroplasty).
Where is your office located?
We are based in Phoenix, but we are happy to service patients from all across the Valley, including those in Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, and Glendale. We are your Arizona osteoathritis experts.
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How do I know if I need total knee replacement surgery?
If you have advanced osteoarthritis, diminished activity because of knee pain, knee deformity, or pain at night, our surgeons may recommend total knee replacement.
How long does knee replacement surgery take?
The knee surgery itself takes about two hours. Your orthopedic surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone and then position the new metal and plastic joint surfaces to restore the alignment and function of your knee. Many different types of designs and materials are currently used in total replacement and partial replacement surgery. Nearly all of them consist of three components: the femoral component (made of a highly polished strong metal), the tibial component (made of a durable plastic often held in a metal tray), and the patellar component (also plastic).
What is arthroscopic knee surgery?
If you have persistent pain, catching, or swelling in your knee, a procedure known as arthroscopy may help relieve these problems. Arthroscopic knee surgery allows an orthopedic surgeon to diagnose and treat knee disorders by providing a clear view of the inside of the knee with small incisions, utilizing a pencil-sized instrument called an arthroscope. The scope contains optic fibers that transmit an image of your knee through a small camera to a television monitor. The TV image allows the surgeon to thoroughly examine the bone, cartilage, and ligaments of your knee and determine the source of your problem. During the procedure, the surgeon also can insert surgical instruments through other small incisions in your knee to remove or repair damaged tissues. With improvements of arthroscopes and higher-resolution cameras, the procedure has become highly effective for both the accurate diagnosis and proper treatment of knee problems. Today, arthroscopic knee surgery is one of the most common orthopedic procedures in the United States. More than 1.5 million knee arthroscopies are performed in this country each year.
What can your surgeons do for ACL damage?
Our doctors will conduct physical tests and take X-rays to determine the extent of damage to your ACL. Most of the time, you need reconstructive surgery. Your orthopedic doctor replaces the damaged ACL with strong, healthy tissue taken from another area near your knee. A strip of tendon from under your kneecap (patellar tendon) or hamstring may be used. Your surgeon threads the tissue through the inside of your knee joint and secures the ends to your thighbone and shinbone. In a few cases when the ACL is torn cleanly from the bone, it can be repaired. Less active people may be treated non-invasively with a program of muscle strengthening rather than knee surgery.
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What services and background does an orthopedic surgeon at your center offer?
Our orthopedic surgery specialists manage special problems of the many regions of the musculoskeletal system. Your orthopedic doctor is skilled in the:
- Diagnosis of your injury or disorder
- Treatment with medication, exercise, surgery or other treatment plans
- Rehabilitation by recommending exercises or physical therapy to restore movement, strength and function
- Prevention with information and treatment plans to prevent injury or slow the progression of diseases.
While most medical specialist orthopedic surgeons practice general orthopedics, some may concentrate in treating the foot, hand, neck, ankle, shoulder, spine, hip, knee, and others in pediatrics, trauma, or sports medicine. Some orthopedists may specialize in several areas. Your orthopedic surgeon is a medical doctor with extensive training in the proper diagnosis and treatment of injuries and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Your orthopedic surgeon completed up to 14 years of formal education.
- Four years of study in a college or university
- Four years of study in medical school
- Five years of study in orthopaedic residency at a major medical center
- One optional year of specialized education
What will occur during an initial visit to your orthopedic surgery center?
Orthopedic patients have benefited from technological advances such as joint replacement and the arthroscope, which allows the orthopedic surgeon to look inside a joint. But your visit will start with a personal interview and physical examination. This may be followed by diagnostic tests such as blood tests, X-rays, or other tests. Your treatment may involve medical counseling, medications, casts, splints, and therapies such as exercise, or surgery. For most orthopedic diseases and injuries, there is more than one form of treatment. Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss the treatment options with you and help you select the best treatment plan to enable you to live an active and functional life.
As a medical specialist, who are your primary patients?
Once devoted to the care of children with spine and limb deformities, orthopedic doctors now care for patients of all ages, from newborns with clubfeet to young athletes requiring arthroscopic surgery to older people with arthritis.
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How will a doctor diagnose children at your sports medicine center?
Our orthopedic sports medicine specialists are highly qualified in the field of pediatrics, so we are sure to have a doctor or surgeon that will help your family feel comfortable. We know that children and teens often experience some discomfort with athletic activity. Their bones and muscles are growing, and their level of physical activity may increase with a sudden, intense interest in sports, so some aches and pains can be expected. Still, their complaints always deserve careful attention. Some injuries, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage and interfere with proper physical growth. Whether an injury is acute or due to overuse, a child who develops a symptom that persists or that affects his or her athletic performance, should be examined by an orthopedic sports medicine physician. A child should never be allowed or expected to "work through the pain." Signs that warrant a visit to an orthopaedic doctor include:
- Inability to play following an acute or sudden injury.
- Decreased ability to play because of chronic or long-term complications following an injury.
- Visible deformity of the athlete's arms or legs.
- Severe pain from acute injuries, which prevent the use of an arm or leg.
Prompt treatment from a sports medicine physician at our center can often prevent a minor injury from becoming worse or causing permanent damage. During the evaluation, the orthopedic surgeon will inquire as to how the injury occurred and will examine the child. If necessary, the doctor may perform X-rays or other tests, to evaluate the bones and soft tissues.
What treatment in orthopedic sports medicine do you have available for children?
The basic treatment for many simple injuries is often "R.I.C.E." Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
Treatment for a child with any significant injury will usually involve specific recommendations for temporary or permanent adjustment in athletic activity. Depending on the injury's severity, treatment may range from simple observation with minor changes in athletic level to a recommendation that the athletic activity be discontinued. Some combination of physical therapy, strengthening exercises, and bracing may also be prescribed. A basic component of any treatment plan is the orthopedic surgeon's ongoing assessment of the child's physical condition until signs of healing and reduction of symptoms occur. Successful treatment requires cooperation and open communication among the patient, parents, coaches, and doctor.
In sports medicine, what is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
For our medical specialists, sports medicine is a major part of our practice. And sprains and strains are some of the most common sports injuries we examine. The joints of your body are supported by ligaments strong bands of connective tissue that connect one bone to another. A sprain is a simple stretch or tear of the ligaments. The areas of your body that are most vulnerable to sprains are your ankles, knees, and wrist. A sprained ankle can occur when your foot turns inward, which can put extreme tension on the ligaments of your outer ankle and cause a sprain. A sprained knee can be the result of a sudden twist. Wrist sprains most often occur when you fall on an outstretched hand.
A strain is the result of an injury to either a muscle or a tendon, usually in your foot or leg. Your bones are supported by a combination of muscles and tendons. Tendons connect muscles to bones. A strain may be a simple stretch in your muscle or tendon, or it may be a partial or complete tear in the muscle-and-tendon combination. The recommended treatment for a strain is the same as for a sprain rest, ice, compression, and elevation. This should be followed by simple exercises to relieve pain and restore mobility. For a serious tear, you may need surgical repair.
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How long will I need to stay in the hospital following hip replacement surgery?
You will need to stay in the hospital for a few days. After total hip replacement surgery, you will feel pain in your hip, so pain medication will be given to make you as comfortable as possible. To avoid lung congestion after hip surgery, you will be asked to breathe deeply and cough frequently. To protect your hip during early recovery, a positioning splint, such as a V-shaped pillow placed between your legs, may be used. Walking and light activity are important to your recovery and will begin the day after your surgery. Most hip replacement patients begin standing and walking with the help of a walking support and a physical therapist the day after surgery. The physical therapist will teach you specific exercises to strengthen your hip and restore movement for walking and other normal daily activities.
How do I know if I need total hip replacement surgery?
If you have later stages of osteoarthritis, a severe hip fracture, your hip joint hurts when you rest at night, or your hip is severely deformed, our surgeons may recommend total hip replacement surgery (arthroplasty). You will get a two-piece ball and socket replacement for your hip joint. This will cure your pain and improve your ability to walk. You may need crutches or a walker for a while after surgery. Rehabilitation is important to restore your hip's flexibility and work your muscles back into shape.
What is revision hip surgery?
Cemented hip replacements may fail after 10 to 15 years, or occasionally sooner. The parts may come loose or wear out, or they may break. In some patients with cementless implants, the porous surfaces may not bond properly to the bone. Loose, worn or broken parts may need replacing or resurfacing (“revision surgery’). Unfortunately, this surgery involves longer operating time and increased blood loss, and may require an increase in the length of the hospital stay. A mini-incision operation is not possible for revision surgery, even though some revision cases are relatively straightforward. Much depends on how difficult it is to remove the prosthesis, and on the quality and quantity of bone left behind after the implant has been removed.
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