Hip Replacement Myths: Will I Ever Be Able To Tie My Shoes Again? And Other Questions!
If you are considering a hip replacement, you probably feel apprehensive. You’ve likely got worries about long stays in hospital or extended movement restrictions. Despite the fact that hip replacement is one of the most successful surgeries in history, hip replacement myths are almost equally as successful. Mostly based on outdated methods and outcomes, hip replacement myths all too often encourage people to delay an operation that will genuinely change their lives. So what are some of the most common hip replacement myths, and what is the reality behind them? Read on to find out.
Myth: ‘I can’t get an MRI ever again’
The Reality: This is an enduring hip replacement myth, based on old implant materials that fell out of favour more than 30 years ago. The truth is: Yes, you can get an MRI with a hip replacement made from modern materials like titanium/titanium alloy because they’re not magnetic. This gives you that peace of mind: if and when you need that scan, you’re free to go ahead.
Before having an MRI, you’ll still need to tell your health practitioners that you have a hip implant, because the metal can affect the image and this needs to be accounted for. You may also experience some mild heat at the implant site. But bottom line? Yes, you can get an MRI with a modern hip replacement.
Myth: ‘A hip replacement only lasts about 10 years. If I get one now, I’m guaranteeing a second surgery’
The Reality: This was true in days gone by. But hip replacement materials and methods have moved on and are lasting longer. Especially if you choose an experienced orthopaedic surgeon that uses ceramic-on-ceramic bearings with titanium/titanium alloy stem and sockets.
These materials are highly resilient and much more compatible with your body, which lessens the chances of you needing revision surgery in the future. Studies show that even 20 years post-operation, ceramic-on-ceramic hip implant bearings are safer and superior to metal-on-conventional polyethylene.
If you’re over 60 (like most people getting a hip replacement), there’s now a much better chance that your hip replacement will outlast you than the other way around.
Younger patients in their twenties or thirties getting a hip replacement are more likely to require a revision operation in their lifetime. However this in itself is not a reason to discard the possibility of having a hip replacement if the hip joint is damaged. Acting in time spares unnecessary pain and poor mobility when you are young and keen to live an active life. Acting earlier often means there is less damage to bone and soft tissue structures prior to any reconstruction.
Preservation of your natural tissue is one of the reasons we believe
They expect that at least 90% of replacement joints will now last 20 years or more Frequently patients can now have replacement joints for 20 or 30 years without any problems If you’re over 60 and getting a joint replacement, there’s now a ‘much better chance that your replacement joint will outlast you than you outlasting it’
Myth: ‘I’ll be stuck in a hospital bed for a week, and unable to walk for ages’
The reality: Things have moved on a lot and recovery from hip replacement is faster than it used to be – particularly if you opt for minimally invasive hip replacement.
Traditional hip replacement is still the most common hip replacement practice in the UK. It is conducted via one big incision (usually 10-12 inches), and the surgeon will cut across or detach some tendons and muscles to get to the hip joint. Because it involves more tissue damage, recovery from traditional hip replacement tends to take longer.
Recovery from minimally invasive hip replacement is usually quicker because the procedure involves less trauma and less disturbance to your muscles and blood vessels. Patients are often walking assisted on the day of surgery. You can also expect a shorter stay in hospital. And with the STAR approach favoured by Mr Jerome Davidson, there is often no need for an overnight stay at all.
Myth: ‘I’ll never be able to cross my legs or bend down to tie my shoes again’
Mr Jerome Davidson, Consultant Orthopaedic Hip Surgeon says: “This is a really pesky hip replacement myth that puts a lot of people off. It was borne out of the post-surgery ‘hip precautions’ that were commonly given to people and often still are: don’t bend your legs at a 90 degree angle, don’t cross your legs etc. Somehow that translated into a hip replacement myth that you’ll never be able to do those things again.
“In my practice I don’t routinely prescribe hip precautions after surgery because research indicates they don’t lead to better outcomes. Having said that, every patient is an individual and advice should be tailored specifically to each person and their lifestyle. And as a patient, it’s important to follow any directives your surgeon or physiotherapist gives you.”
With recovery in mind, Mr Davidson prefers to use the minimally-invasive, Superior Transverse Atraumatic Reconstruction (STAR) approach to hip replacement. Not only because it offers faster recovery, but also because it spares your tendons and piriformis muscle (which is vital to your balance and stability).
Mr Davidson says: “Hip replacement myths tend to be about restriction: Don’t get your hip done because you won’t be able to do this or that. But the irony is that if you need a hip replacement, you’re already restricted. You’re already changing your behaviour and movement and you probably already have less freedom. But performed well, hip replacement is precisely about giving you freedom back. The freedom to be as you once were and do the things that you once did.”
Of course, getting a good surgeon is important. Fellowship-trained surgeons spend extra time specialising on top of their orthopaedic training. And research demonstrates that hip replacement surgery performed by fellowship trained surgeons results in superior patient outcomes and fewer complications. As a world-renowned, highly experienced fellowship-trained orthopaedic hip surgeon, Mr Davidson has conducted countless successful hip replacements, giving freedom back to patients who thought they’d lost it.
Don’t let hip replacement myths keep you restricted. If you have questions about how recovery from a hip replacement procedure could impact your individual lifestyle and activities, contact Mr Jerome Davidson on 020 8168 0111 or simply book a consultation online.