Information on the hip prosthesis area
Artificial hip joint
Hip arthrosis, which is often treated with a total hip endoprosthesis (hip prosthesis, hip TEP), is one of the most common degenerative joint diseases. Around 200,000 hip prostheses are fitted in Germany every year.
Hip pain requires precise diagnosis
If hip pain persists for a long time, those affected should be asked about the type, duration and location of the symptoms. Among other things, old injuries at this point should be asked about, as these are often the cause of the development of arthrosis. A detailed examination of the joint should be carried out. Signs of arthrosis can be detected in an X-ray examination.
If there is uncertainty about the exact diagnosis or if a treatment that has been started is not effective, an ultrasound, an MRI scan or CT scan or a scintigraphy (nuclear medicine examination) may be necessary.
Hip prosthesis from when? The use of surgical treatment methods is weighed up depending on the intensity and duration of the hip pain, the patient's age and physical condition, as well as any secondary illnesses.
Surgical therapy is divided into joint-preserving operations and joint-replacement operations. However, the chances of success of joint-preserving operations decrease with increasing stage of arthrosis and patient age. High levels of suffering, reduced quality of life, severe pain, restricted mobility and failure of conservative treatment are reasons for surgical intervention. Very old or young age is not necessarily a decisive factor in the choice of treatment.
Advantages of hip prosthesis
Before the operation, the procedure must be discussed in detail with the patient and planned using X-ray images. Damaged joint parts are removed during the procedure and replaced with artificial parts. This usually leads to pain relief and an improvement in the function of the hip joint. However, since the hip replacement can loosen over time, complete replacement of the joint is mainly recommended for older patients.
Alternatives to hip prostheses
For younger patients with severe pain, rarer alternatives can be considered depending on physical activity, such as hip fusion (arthrodesis) or joint resection (Girdlestone situation).
What hip prostheses are there?
The hip prosthesis can be a cemented, cement-free or hybrid implantation (e.g. cemented shaft and cement-free hip socket). In addition, a bone transplant or corrections to the bone structures may be necessary. Various material combinations such as ceramic, metal or polyethylene are possible for artificial joints.
Risks with artificial hip joints
Immediately after the operation, bleeding, vascular occlusions, pulmonary embolisms or nerve injuries / vascular injuries can occur. The installed prosthesis can become loose over time, which makes it necessary to replace the hip prosthesis. Dislocations (dislocations) of the prosthesis can occur or the pain that existed beforehand can only be reduced insufficiently.
What should be considered after the implantation of a hip endoprosthesis?
An X-ray must be taken as soon as possible after the artificial joint has been fitted to check the position of the prosthesis. Patients should start moving again as soon as possible so that they do not deteriorate too much physically. Physiotherapy and follow-up treatment (“rehab”) are used to try to restore the patient’s mobility as best as possible.
To avoid subsequent damage, patients with a hip prosthesis should avoid excessive physical activity, normalise their weight and have regular check-ups with trained specialists.
Which specialists and clinics are specialists in artificial hip joints?
Anyone who needs an artificial hip joint wants the best medical care for themselves. That is why patients ask themselves, where can I find the best clinic for an artificial hip joint? University Hospital of Bonn is one of the best hospitals in Germany.
