Dislocating a hip after total hip replacement can be a traumatic experience
- Date:
- January 22, 2015
- Source:
- Deutsches Aerzteblatt International
- Summary:
- The prevention of dislocation after total hip replacement plays an important role in the rehabilitation process. Authors describe the risks that need to be addressed after a total hip replacement surgery.
- Share:
Osteoarthritis of the hip is a degenerative joint disease that, besides being painful, also has a negative impact on mobility. An affected joint can be surgically replaced with an artificial prosthesis to alleviate pain and enhance mobility and quality of life. However, when the replacement hip is forced from its normal position-a so-called dislocation-these patients frequently experience injuries, undermining their trust in the artificial joint. Depending on the trauma that caused the dislocation, it may even be necessary to replace the prosthesis. In their current review article published in Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, Jens Dargel et al. point out that the prevention of dislocation plays an important role and describe the risks that need to be addressed.
Approximately 1 in 50 patients who undergo total hip replacement for the first time will experience a dislocation. Among patients with total hip replacements that required revision and implant exchange surgeries, this rate can be as high as 1 in 4 patients (up to 28%). Here the risks include advanced age and concomitant neurological conditions. Moreover, patients should make sure to avoid certain movements, such as bending too far forward, as these can increase the risk for dislocation of the implant. Further risks arise at the time the surgery is performed: incorrect positioning of the implant, inadequate soft-tissue tension and inadequate experience of the surgeon all add to the risk for dislocation. The authors recommend using a standardized approach for the management of dislocation following total hip replacement, based on a diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm.
Story Source:
Materials provided by Deutsches Aerzteblatt International. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
Journal Reference:
- Dargel J, Oppermann J, Brüggemann GP, Eysel P. Dislocation following total hip replacement. Dtsch Arztebl Int, 2014; 111: 884%u201390 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2014.0884
Cite This Page: