While the need for a hip replacement in younger patients is rare, it is not unheard of. Certain types of orthopedic conditions and injuries may necessitate this procedure. When it does become necessary, it’s essential that the patient understand the best way to restore and maintain the highest level of quality of life possible. While current hip replacement options are impressive and effective, they are not generally designed to withstand more than 20 years of use. However, some tips and tricks can ensure the replacement functions as effectively as possible while extending the lifespan of the replacement. Together, the Dearborn & Associates Team will help you experience the fullest life possible while living with a joint replacement.
How Younger Patients Are Impacted By Total Hip Replacement
A total hip replacement becomes necessary when sufficient damage has occurred to the joint to make a partial replacement undesirable or impossible. Most patients who undergo this procedure are in their later years and seek relief from the symptoms of conditions such as osteoarthritis. However, the improved techniques pair with advanced prosthetic design to make it possible and reasonable to provide this option to younger patients more frequently. These patients will retain the prosthetic for longer periods and are likely to put it under greater strain than younger patients due to more active lifestyles.
Four factors play into the impact of total hip replacement on younger patients, which include:
- Prosthetic Durability – Modern prosthetics are durable and long-lasting, often capable of serving their owners in excess of 20 years before revision treatment is necessary. This timeline may be reduced in younger patients due to the greater activity levels common in this age range.
- Activity Levels – As mentioned above, younger patients have more active lifestyles than their older counterparts. This increases the strain on the joint and can potentially limit the lifespan of the prosthetic.
- Bone Preservation –Advances in modern surgical approaches and the prosthetics used to limit the amount of healthy bone that has to be removed to facilitate placement. In addition, using titanium in the implants can stimulate and strengthen the bones around them.
- Quality of Life – Younger patients report significant improvements in their mobility and pain levels after receiving a total hip replacement. The outcome is an enhanced quality of life and a feeling of normalcy that relieves the patient.
Every patient who finds themselves in need of this procedure is different. Their health concerns and lifestyle are unique and can impact both the suitability and the potential lifespan of their prosthetic replacement. The team at Dearborn & Associates is committed to ensuring you receive a treatment plan that fits your desired outcome and lifestyle.
Contact Our Team To Learn More About Total Hip Replacement
When you discover that you may be in need of a total hip replacement, the prospect can be daunting and worrying. The team here at Dearborn & Associates will help you understand your options, what to expect before, during, and after the treatment, and what you will need to do to prepare. Contact us today at (510) 818-7200 to get started, or drop by our offices in Menlo Park, CA, to meet the team and tour the facility.
