thr total hip replacement

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What is Total Hip Replacement (THR)?

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Definition

Total Hip Replacement (THR), also known as Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or diseased hip joint with an artificial implant.

Purpose of THR

  • Relieve chronic hip pain caused by arthritis or injury.
  • Restore mobility and improve quality of life.
  • Correct joint deformities and improve hip function.

Types of Total Hip Replacement (THR)

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Cemented vs. Uncemented THR

Cemented THR: Uses a special bone cement to fix the implant. Suitable for older, less active patients.

Uncemented THR: The implant is press-fitted, allowing bone to grow into it. Common for younger, active patients.

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Partial vs. Total Hip Replacement

Partial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty): Replaces only the femoral head. Common for hip fractures.

Total Hip Replacement (THR): Replaces both the femoral head and acetabulum (hip socket).

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Traditional vs. Minimally Invasive THR

Traditional THR: Requires a larger incision with more muscle cutting.

Minimally Invasive THR: Smaller incisions with less muscle damage, leading to faster recovery.

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Robotic-Assisted THR

Uses robotic technology for precise implant positioning.

Provides better alignment and longer-lasting results.

Symptoms Indicating the Need for THR

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Chronic Hip Pain

Persistent pain in the hip or groin.
Worsens with activity, even at rest.

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Difficulty Walking

Trouble with standing, walking, or climbing stairs.
Limping due to hip joint damage.

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Stiffness and Limited Range of Motion

Difficulty moving the hip, especially bending or rotating.
Painful stiffness in the morning or after sitting for long periods.

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Hip Joint Deformity

Bowing or misalignment of the hip joint.
Shortening of the affected leg.

Risk Factors for THR

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Causes Leading to THR

Osteoarthritis (Most Common Cause)
  • Degeneration of hip cartilage over time.
  • Causes chronic pain and stiffness.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Autoimmune disease that inflames the hip joint.
  • Leads to joint damage and deformity.
Hip Fractures
  • Common in elderly patients due to falls.
  • Severe fractures require hip replacement.
Avascular Necrosis (Bone Death)
  • Loss of blood supply to the femoral head.
  • Leads to bone collapse and arthritis.
Hip Dysplasia or Congenital Deformities
  • Abnormal hip development from birth.
  • Causes early-onset arthritis.

How to Prevent the Need for THR?

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Maintain a Healthy Weight

Reduces stress on the hip joints.

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Exercise Regularly

Low-impact exercises (swimming, cycling) keep joints flexible.

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Eat a Joint-Healthy Diet

Omega-3-rich foods reduce inflammation.

Calcium and Vitamin D support bone strength.

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Early Treatment for Hip Pain

Physical therapy or medications for minor hip problems.

Prevents long-term joint damage.

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Avoid High-Impact Activities

Reduce jumping and heavy lifting to protect joints.

Treatment Through THR

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Medications

NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections to manage pain.

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Physical Therapy

Strengthening exercises before and after surgery.

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Surgical Intervention

THR surgery when pain becomes unmanageable

THR Procedure Steps

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Pre-Surgery Preparation

X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to assess hip damage.

Medical evaluation (blood tests, anesthesia consultation).

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Steps 1:

Incision is made over the hip joint.

Damaged cartilage and bone are removed.

Steps 2:

Damaged bone and cartilage are removed.

Steps 3:

Metal, plastic, or ceramic implant is inserted.

Steps 4:

Hip joint is repositioned, and incision is closed.

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Surgery Duration

Takes 1-2 hours depending on complexity.

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Hospital Stay

2-4 days depending on healing progress.

Pain management with analgesics.

Gradual Mobility

Use of walker or crutches initially.

Full mobility returns over 6-12 weeks.

Medications

Painkillers and blood thinners to prevent clots.

Physical Therapy

Exercises to strengthen hip muscles and improve movement.

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Traditional THR

Open surgery with a large incision.

Minimally Invasive THR

Uses smaller incisions and less tissue damage.

Robotic-Assisted THR

Robotic precision for better implant placement.

Hip Resurfacing

Preserves more bone (used in younger patients).