Michigan Orthopedics

As one of the top Michigan orthopedic hospitals and with nationally renowned joint care and foot and ankle programs, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland serves as a model for hospitals across the country. Our Michigan doctors specialize in everything from custom knee replacement to hip replacements to shoulder injuries and even wrist fractures.

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OF THE MEDICAL REPORT

William Ward, MD

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland

THE FACTS ABOUT TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT

Background

The hip is a ball and socket joint comprised of two parts. The socket, or acetabulum, is part of the pelvis – and the ball, or femoral head, is the upper end of the thigh bone. As individuals age, the hip joint can begin to wear out due to the effects ofosteo arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic injuries, and bone loss resulting from insufficient blood supply, a condition known asavascular necrosis.

Podcast Posted: 9/25/2007
Duration: 00:59

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When this is the case, total hip replacement surgery, orarthroplasty, is often the best solution. A common surgical procedure, total hip replacement removes the damaged parts of the hip joint and replaces them with new, artificial parts made from a combination of durable, wear-resistant plastic and metals– including stainless steel and titanium.

Total hip replacement surgery is usually considered after other conservative, non- surgical therapies – such as pain medications,physical therapy, and using a cane have failed to offer relief.Following surgery and recovery, 90 percent of hip replacement patients experience substantial or complete relief of pain.

“Most people undergo hip replacement surgery as a result ofosteo arthritis of the hip joint, but many consider this procedure if they have severe pain, loss of motion, or deformity of the hip joint,” says William Ward, MD and SJMO orthopedic surgeon.“Regardless of how the hip replacement is performed – either through a traditional incision or one of the newer, less-invasive approaches – the overall goal is to relieve pain and restore function.”

ADVANTAGES
Following total hip replacement surgery, individuals may be able to take part in physical activities that were once very painful –such as climbing stairs, sitting for extended periods of time,getting in and out of cars, and walking six or more blocks without stopping.

CAUTIONS
It is important to remember that an artificial hip joint is not a normal hip joint and comes with certain limitations. Hip replacement surgery is generally safe, but, as with any surgery, complication scan occur. In rare circumstances, blood clots, infection, dislocation,and change in leg length can occur. It is important to talk with your surgeon about any concerns you might have prior to surgery.

REFERRAL
Please contact the SJMO physician referral line at 800.372.6094 to find an SJMO orthopedic surgeon near you.

THE MEDICAL REPORT LIBRARY:

MICHIGAN ORTHOPEDICS

	The Facts About Achilles Tendonitis Peg Chilvers, MD Posted: 3/31/2008
	Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Richard Bartholomew, DO Posted: 3/31/2008
	The Facts About Knee Bursitis Jignesh Patel, DO Posted: 3/31/2008
	The Facts About Ankle Arthroscopy Christopher Tisdel, MD Posted: 3/31/2008
	Custom Fit Knee Replacement Safa Kassab, MD Posted: 12/15/2007
	Total Hip Replacement William Ward, MD Posted: 9/25/2007

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