subject: A Glance On Hip Implant Dislocation [print this page] Chronically painful hip caused by fracture or advanced osteoarthritis is normally managed through replacement surgery.Hip replacement is a surgical procedure that involves substitution of the damaged hip joint with a prosthetic implant. This is usually considered only if other measures, physical therapy and medication were tried but to no avail. Implants are available in the market and each are made out of different materials. The FDA evaluates and tests the safety and effectiveness of the hip implants using their 510(k) approval process. However, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released a report criticizing the approval process and was found agreeable by the New England Journal of Medicine.
Complications and predicaments are always a concern of patients who are to have surgery. A crucial time for hip dislocation is the first six weeks after the hip replacement procedure.Dislocation of the hip is the displacement of the femoral head out of the hip joint. Dislocation may happen if the capsule is stretched or the muscles surrounding the joint have weakened.It is usually accompanied by pain, edema, rigidity, shortening of the leg and loss of function. Hip dislocation is more common on hip surgery revision compared to a primary hip replacement which only has a 0-5% rate.
Dislocation may often be preventable with post-operative care, physical therapy and patient education. The prosthesis may take time to stabilize, until it happens, patient needs to follow certain positioning precaution to keep the prosthesis in place. Methods for avoiding displacement include:
Keep the knees apart at all times
When seated, never cross the leg
Bending the hip for more than 90 degrees is not allowed
Avoid turning the affected leg inward
Dislocation after total hip replacement is always a possibility. So it is important to have a regular visit with your health care provider and to follow the instructions given after surgery for this will decrease the risk of hip dislocation. Before having a hip replacement surgery, it is recommended that you consult a health care professional regarding the procedure and its possible outcome and complications like DePuy hip recall.
