Success vs Failure!
Total Hip Arthroplasty has had great results in relieving
pain. Replacement of the hip joins have not only decreased pain, but
improved their gait and the abductor muscle strength. In fact
of over ninety percent of these patients achieve independce of assist
devices, have marked improvements in their limp, and report significant
strength gains in their hip musculature.
However, complications do occur. These complications are
represented by fracture of the femur during implantation, peroneal or
sciatic nerve palsy, post operative dislocation of the hip or even late
infection of the prosthesis. Despite these complications, hip joints
have a high success rate of ninety-two percent survival after five
years and an eighty-eight percent after ten years.
There have many developments to reduce complications over the last two
decades; Prophylactic antibiotic therapy which has helped to prevent
infection. During preoperative procedures, the use of anticoagulants
has reduced deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary emboli. In addition,
mechanical loosening has decreased with newer cement and cementless
techniques of fixture.
© 2007 Dhondup Pemba