Five Ways to Treat Severe Osteoarthritis Aside from Hip Replacement Operation

Osteoarthritis is the disease which affects the joints and which, in the long run, leads to severe pain and stiffness. For those who are afflicted by it, there is difficulty moving and performing activities of daily living when it exacerbates. A total hip replacement surgery remains the common answer to this. However, there are other options you may choose aside from going through a hip replacement operation.

Many people have already engaged themselves for hip replacement operation. Although it is considered as one of the most successful operations done worldwide,  it  stands not without complications. According to reports, patients suffer from metallosis or metal toxicity, in which  metal ions from the hip implant device may leak into the bloodstream and may possibly damage some other body organs. This eventually prompted leading medical equipment companies to withdraw their hip implant devices in the market as more and more cases of complications were reported. One of the companies who pulled out their product is Stryker hip replacement recall.

Because of these complications associated with hip replacement operations, people are now looking for other ways to recuperate from osteoarthritis. Below are some of these choices:
1.       Hip resurfacing
This is usually the method offered next to a total hip replacement. Hip resurfacing is ideal for younger people as only those who have relatively strong bones are good candidates for this. Unlike the total hip replacement where the femoral head and acetabulum are removed and substituted with hip implants, in hip resurfacing, the femoral head is not removed, but only a small amount of bone is trimmed from the ball-and-socket hip joint, and a metal cap is placed on top of the ball.
2.       Hip osteotomy
Hip osteotomy is a surgical operation in which the bones of the hip joint are reoriented, cut, or fixed in a new position. Those who have underlying problems that will sooner or later develop to arthritis are likely to undergo this kind of operation. Though complications resulting after hip osteotomy are uncommon, there is a small chance of blood clot formation or infection.
3.       Hemiarthroplasty
A hemiarthroplasty is quite the same with a hip replacement but only one half of the hip joint is replaced.  This kind of operation is recommended only for elderly and weak patients as their activity level is low, and as time goes by, the implant has a tendency to come loose or to corrode the acetabulum.
4.       Resection arthroplasty
This procedure is sometimes indicated as a rebound procedure following failed total hip arthroplasty. This is typically done to people who have severe infections that cannot be managed or those who are having trouble walking normally.
5.       Hip fusion
It is the fusion of the femur to the pelvis. Typically used for young patients with healthy spine and no deviations in other joints. It may be also tried for patients with unsuccessful total hip replacements. The hip fusion lets the patient  do physically challenging tasks that might lead to early wear on a total hip replacement.