Focus on Choosing the Correct Implant for Joint Replacement
Total hip replacements and total knee replacements are two of the most common and successful surgeries performed today, but they can still fail due to normal wear and tear, fracture or infection. Revision surgery is less effective and associated with more complications. Therefore, the goal is to make the first hip replacement last as long as possible.
If you are considering a total joint replacement procedure, your top priority is a positive outcome. A new study from the United Kingdom published in PLOS Medicine found that choosing the best hip implant was more critical than selecting the best surgeon.
Implant Choice is More Important Than a Surgeon’s Skill
Researchers at the Musculoskeletal Research Unit at the University of Bristol, the NIHR Bristol Biomedical Research Centre, and the University of Exeter used data from the National Joint Registry to analyze 650,000 patients from England and Wales who had a hip replacement. One hospital had significantly better outcomes compared to others. The research team found the “outstanding hip implant survival results” from this hospital were linked to hip implant choice rather than the surgeon’s skill who performed the total hip replacement.
Jonathan Evans, Academic Clinical Lecturer at the Bristol Medical School Translational Health Sciences (THS) based at Southmead Hospital, Bristol, was the lead author. “We want patients…to feel empowered to ask their surgeon not only what implants they plan to use for their hip replacement but, more importantly, to ask for the long-term evidence that the implant works well,” he said. “If they do not feel happy with the answer, then patients should feel confident asking for another opinion or even vote with their feet and go to a different hospital” (University of Exeter).
Is Hip Replacement Right for You?
The best way to know whether you are a candidate for a hip replacement is to speak to your orthopedist. Many hip replacement patients experience some or all of the following:
- Hip pain during the day and night
- Hip pain that continues during resting
- Stiffness in the hip that limits mobility in the leg or prevents lifting the leg
- Hip pain that limits everyday activities, such as walking or bending
- Insufficient pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, walking supports or physical therapy
Call Your Doctor for an Evaluation
Do not let hip pain restrict your lifestyle and activities. One of our orthopedists can schedule a consultation to discuss the best hip implant for your specific goals. Your doctor will provide a full evaluation and a detailed treatment plan so you can resume your normal activities without pain. Call our office today to make an appointment.