Arthroscopy v/s Arthroplasty: Which is the right option for a hip replacement?

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Osteoarthritis, tears and joint injuries do not sound extremely painful or seriously complicated. But these are few conditions besides inflammation and non-inflammation which require a procedure known as arthroscopy.

What is an Arthroscopy?

An arthroscopy involves two small incisions in which, surgeons make one incision for inserting a tiny arthroscope or a camera-like instrument into the joint through which they can view on a video monitor. Quite a work station, this would be!

Through the second incision, the orthopedic surgeon would insert instruments to perform the procedure whether its removing damaged tissue, sutures and the like.

An Arthroplasty!

Hip, knee and shoulder replacements typically require an arthroplasty. It is a process whereby joints or damaged parts of the bone are either resurfaced, realigned, or replaced with artificial or prosthetic materials. This type of joint replacement is usually the last resort. Doctors prescribe it after the failure of non-surgical treatment and physical therapies. Patients suffering from osteoarthritis and osteonecrosis are good candidates. But doctor can also use this procedure for those with rheumatoid arthritis and joint injuries.

What makes a hip joint replacement or a hip arthroplasty a technological marvel in the field of surgical procedures. First and foremost it provides immense pain relief, which would otherwise limit the social life of senior citizens due to the throbbing, incessant and excruciating joint pain which they may suffer.

An arthroplasty can further be bifurcated as total hip arthroplasty or hemiarthroplasty/total hip replacement Conventionally, the former involves replacement of the femoral head and neck or replacing just the surface of the femoral head. A hemiarthroplasty consists of 3 types:

• Unipolar– Similar to a total hip arthroplasty, a unipolar hemiarthroplasty is also about the replacement of the femoral head and neck.
• Bipolar – The bipolar type doesn’t just replace the femoral head and neck but also the acetabular cup.
• Resurfacing –  The resurfacing type again, is similar to the resurfacing arthroplasty where the surgeon replaces the femoral head.

Doctors do hemiarthroplasty when the patient is too frail and has suffered a neck fracture, or has severe osteoporosis. Patients with a neurological ailment or some other pre-existing hip disease can also be treated with a hemiarthroplasty.

Factors to consider

But before the physician performs an arthroplasty, it is very important to take certain practical aspects into consideration.

• Primarily, what is vital is whether the pain stems from the hip or another part of the body like the knee or back.
• If a younger patient opts for this procedure, the prosthesis will wear off quickly due to an active lifestyle.
• Are there sufficient muscles around the joint, which are essential for rehabilitation.
• Doctors should not recommend surgery to a patient who shows signs of a neurological disease around the joint.
• Age and mental condition of the patient also determine whether he or she will be actively able to participate in rehabilitation.

However, studies in the UK reveal that younger patients below 60 years of age also choose hip arthroplasty. Other research findings show that hip arthroplasties have gained popularity and are on the rise.  Want to know more? Contact your nearest ortho surgeon today!