Considering A Hip Replacement Prosthesis?

During hip replacement surgery the damaged portions of the patient's hip are replaced with man made parts. These man made parts are referred to as prosthesis. The aim of introducing a prosthesis into the patient's body is to improve the person's mobility as well as reduce pain and enhance the way the hip works.

Prostheses for hip replacement surgery are essentially of two types: cemented and uncemented. Cemented prostheses are fixed to the healthy bone with the use of a special glue or cement. Uncemented prostheses, on the other hand, are those which require biologic fixation to hold them in place. These artificial parts have a porous surface which allows the patient's own bone to grow through the prosthesis and thus keep it in place.

Hip joints are made up of two parts: the ball and a socket. It is thus also possible for the prosthesis to be a combination of cemented and uncemented parts. Hip replacement surgery using a combination of the two types of prosthesis is referred to as hybrid replacements. In most of these cases the cement is used for the ball while the socket is uncemented.

Since every person's body is different, the decision to use cemented or uncemented prosthesis or a combination of the two really depends on the needs of the individual. The surgeon takes a decision only after weighing the pros and cons of the situation. The patient's age, usual level of activity and lifestyle are all taken into consideration. Another important factor is whether this surgery is the first one for the patient or whether it involves the replacement of an older artificial hip.

In general, cemented prostheses are used for the elderly or people who are not very active. They are also used for those who have weak bones due to conditions like osteoporosis. Uncemented prosthesis is more commonly used with younger people and those having active lifestyles.

Cemented prostheses have been in use much longer. In the US doctors have been using them since the late 1960s. Traditionally too most hip replacements surgeries were carried out using cemented prostheses.

Uncemented prostheses came on the scene almost a decade later. However with technological progress and experimentation with different types of materials in making the prostheses, this kind of replacement is gaining in popularity.

Hip replacement operations using uncemented prosthesis are associated with a longer recovery period as the patient's bone has to grow into the prosthesis. Typically a patient can expect normal activities to be restricted for at least 3 months after the hip replacement surgery. This enforced rest is very important in order to protect the hip joint. Activity is also automatically limited as the patient is likely to suffer acute thigh pain as a result of the bone growing into the prosthesis.

The average life span of hip replacement prosthesis is about 20 -25 years. The period varies from person to person. Over time there is a tendency for the hip replacement to loosen and affect the way the prosthesis functions. In dire situations the patient may have to resort to revision surgery to correct the problem.