TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT

Your Memorial Healthcare orthopedic surgeon uses the most advanced joint 
replacement techniques to help get you moving with as little pain as possible.
Most hip replacement surgeries performed at Memorial Healthcare use the
anterior approach. With the anterior approach, surgeons are able to use
significantly smaller incisions and avoid cutting or detaching any of the powerful
muscles around the hip. The muscles are parted, almost as if "parting a curtain",
and are then allowed to fall back into place after the replacement. In most cases,
this results in your return to normal activities far sooner, with less pain,
and usually without a significant limp.

MEMORIAL HEALTHCARE JOINT ACADEMY

When you choose Memorial Healthcare for your joint replacement surgery,
we are there with you every step of the way. Joint replacement patients are
encouraged to attend our Joint Academy. This evening session will provide
you with helpful, practical information on what to expect during and after
surgery and also provides you with the opportunity to complete your pre-op
registration and testing. Our goal is to help you put the spring back into
your step.                                                                                                                  Cindy VanPelt is moving
                                                                                                                               again thanks to her new hip!
HOW THE NORMAL HIP WORKS

The hip is one of your body's largest weight-bearing joints. It consists
of two main parts: a ball (femoral head) at the top of your thighbone
(femur) that fits into a rounded socket (acetabulum) in your pelvis.
Bands of tissue called ligaments connect the ball to the socket and
provide stability to the joint.

The bone surfaces of your ball and socket have a smooth durable cover
of articular cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones and enables them
to move easily.

All remaining surfaces of the hip joint are covered by a thin, smooth tissue
called synovial membrane. In a healthy hip, this membrane makes a small
amount of fluid that lubricates and almost eliminates friction in your hip joint.

Normally, all of these parts of your hip work in harmony, allowing you to
move easily and without pain.

COMMON CAUSES OF HIP PAIN AND LOSS OF HIP MOBILITY

The most common cause of chronic hip pain and disability is arthritis.
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and traumatic arthritis are the most
common forms of this disease.

Osteoarthritis usually occurs after age 50 and often in an individual with
a family history of arthritis. In this form of the disease, the articular cartilage
cushioning the bones of the hip wears away. The bones then rub against
each other, causing hip pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a disease in which the synovial membrane becomes
inflamed, produces too much synovial fluid, and damages the articular cartilage,
leading to pain and stiffness.

Traumatic Arthritis can follow a serious hip injury or fracture. A hip fracture
can cause a condition known as avascular necrosis. The articular cartilage
becomes damaged and, over time, causes hip pain and stiffness.