Osteoarthritis

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Artificial Joint Replacement

In hip joint osteoarthritis, there is a thinning of the cartilage tissue that forms the joint. As the articular cartilage thins, movements in the joint become painful. Everyone develops osteoarthritis. From approximately 65 years of age, virtually no one is without signs of joint wear and tear. Causes of degenerative joint cartilage disease include age, accident mechanisms, cortisone therapy, rheumatic diseases, and deformities.

When is surgery needed?

If hip osteoarthritis has progressed to the point where conservative therapeutic measures, arthroscopic surgery, and/or joint-preserving operations (correction of joint/limb axis deformities, cartilage (bone) transplantation) no longer achieve pain reduction, then artificial hip joint replacement (endoprosthesis) is the treatment of choice.

What happens during surgery?

There are different models available for artificial hip joint replacement. The specific model to be used depends on the extent of joint and muscle destruction, as well as the patient's demands, activity level, and age. Hip joint replacement surgery is performed under inpatient conditions.

Aftercare

Mobilisation begins on the first day after the operation with the aid of physiotherapy and forearm crutches. Depending on the implanted prosthetic model, the operated joint/leg may be immediately fully weight-bearing or only partially weight-bearing for 3 to 6 weeks. During this period, temporary partial weight-bearing with forearm crutches must be observed. Medical thrombosis prophylaxis is required for this duration. After inpatient discharge, physiotherapy should be continued, possibly in the form of inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. Typically, a rehabilitation period of 12 weeks can be expected after knee joint replacement surgery. Patients should anticipate a period of incapacity for work lasting 3 months.