What Can I Do to Help My New Hip Last
What Can I Do to Help My New Hip Last?
Many factors contribute to an artificial hip’s longevity, including your physical condition, activity level, weight, and the accuracy of the implant placement during surgery. But, while there are no guarantees, the numbers are encouraging. Studies show that more than 80% of all hip replacements across the industry last at least 15 years, and more than 70% last at least 20 years.1
Individual results may vary. Your results will depend on your personal circumstances. And just like with a natural hip, how well the materials in an artificial hip withstand the wear and tear that come with everyday use and rotation of the hip joint contributes to how long the artificial hip will last.
Talk with your doctor about the following points and how they might affect the longevity and success of your hip replacement. In general, you’ll want to:
- Avoid repetitive heavy lifting
- Avoid excessive stair climbing
- Maintain an appropriate weight
- Stay healthy and active
- Avoid “impact-loading” sports such as jogging, downhill skiing, and high-impact aerobics
- Consult your surgeon before beginning any new sport or activity
- Think before you move
- Avoid any physical activities involving quick stop-start motion, twisting, or impact stresses
- Avoid excessive bending when weight bearing, like climbing steep stairs
- Avoid lifting or pushing heavy objects
- Avoid kneeling
- Avoid low seating surfaces and chairs
Revision surgery
Some patients require a second revision implant due to loosening, trauma, infection, or chronic dislocation. A common challenge with revision patients is the loss of bone due to too much stress shielding of the implant or osteolysis caused by wear of the polyethylene insert.
Zimmer offers a full line of revision hip implants designed to preserve as much remaining bone as possible and minimize the need for yet another surgery.
Reference
- Hip Implants [Internet]. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; 2007 Oct [cited 2011 Nov 16]. Available from: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00355
