Birmingham Hip Resurfacing
Non-surgical Alternatives
to Hip Resurfacing
Before
deciding on hip resurfacing, your physician may try several
non-surgical, conservative measures to relieve the pain and
inflammation in your hip.
Lifestyle Modification
The
first alternative to hip replacement involves such lifestyle
modification measures as weight loss, avoiding activities involving
long periods of standing or walking, and the use of a cane to decrease
the stress on the painful hip.
Exercise and Physical Therapy
Exercise
and physical therapy may be prescribed to improve the strength and
flexibility of your hip and other lower extremity muscles. Your
exercise program may include riding a stationary bike, light weight
training and flexibility exercises. An aquatic therapy program is
especially effective for the treatment of arthritis since it allows
mild resistance while removing weight bearing stresses. For an
appropriate exercise program, contact an experienced physical
therapist.
Anti-inflammatory Medications
Arthritis
pain is primarily caused by inflammation in the hip joint. Reducing the
inflammation of the tissue in the hip can provide temporary relief from
pain and may delay surgery.
Non-Steroidal
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to decrease the
inflammation associated with arthritis. A new classification of NSAIDs,
called Cox-2 inhibitors, are often very effective in decreasing pain.
In
a small number of cases, the doctor may prescribe corticosteroids, such
as prednisone or cortisone, if NSAIDs are not effective. However, due
to the higher rate of side effects associated with corticosteriods, a
physician must closely monitor their use.
Glucosamine/Chondroitin
Two
dietary supplements, Glucosamine and Chondroitin (commonly available in
a combined tablet), may decrease the symptoms of hip arthritis.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate are both naturally occurring
molecules, and issues associated with both remain under active
research. However, it appears that many people taking these nutrition
supplements on a regular basis note a decrease in their arthritis
symptoms.
There exist a number of non-surgical
alternatives to total hip replacement surgery. Such measures as
lifestyle modification, exercise and physical therapy, and medication
should be implemented before deciding on surgery. If all of these
measures have been exhausted and your orthopedist recommends surgical
intervention, BIRMINGHAM HIP Resurfacing can be very successful in
decreasing pain and greatly improving function.
For more information about the BHR System, visit: www.BirminghamHipResurfacing.com.
Who is a Candidate for Hip Resurfacing?
Hip
resurfacing is intended for young, active adults who are under 60 years
of age and in need of a hip replacement. Adults over 60 who are living
non-sedentary lifestyles may also be considered for this procedure.
However, this can only be further determined by a review of your bone
quality.
There are certain causes of hip arthritis that
result in extreme deformity of either the head of the femur or the
acetabulum (hip socket). These cases are usually not candidates for hip
resurfacing.
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