There are many orthopedic manufacturing companies that produce different implants used inhip replacement surgery. Most of these companies make several different hip replacement prostheses. Is there a way to determine which hip replacement implant is best?
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Hip Replacement Surgery
When a hip replacement surgery is performed, a damaged, worn-out hip joint is replaced with an artificial implant. The materials used in the artificial implant may vary, but they often include metal, plastic, or ceramic.
Hip Implants
Asking orthopedic surgeons what hip replacement is best is like going to a car show and asking people which car is best. You’ll find lots of different answers, and each person thinks they’ve got the right one. That is not to say that any one individual is right or wrong, but there are many factors, and sometimes different factors, that surgeons may consider when evaluating which type of implant they prefer to use.
One of the most important aspects of hip replacement surgery is determining the proper implant to be used in the operation. However, the criteria used to select thebesthip replacement implant also vary:
Orthopedic supply companies have begun to advertise directly to consumers. Advertisements are seen in magazines and newspapers, on late-night television, and in brochures at your healthcare provider’s office. The advertisements might make you think one implant has been shown to be better than others.
However, the truth is there is no single “best” joint replacement, because all artificial implants are put through rigorous testing to ensure they meet quality standards. The goal of a hip replacement is to alleviate pain and restore function for as long as possible. One caution to be aware of is that it often takes decades for newly designed implants to prove their longevity.
Implant Options for Hip Replacement
Implant Brand vs. Surgeon’s Expertise
Another factor that is important for patients to understand is that the brand of hip replacement is likely not the most important factor in determining how long the implant is going to last. One of the most important aspects of ensuring an artificial joint will last as long as possible is a precise, accurate surgery. Having a properly aligned joint replacement is critical to the long-term functioning of the implant.
A good analogy is to think of the tires on your car. It does not matter what brand of tires you put on the car—if the wheels are not properly aligned, they’re not going to last.
Finding a surgeon who hasgood experience with joint replacement surgeryand has a good track record of results is important. It may seem difficult to identify a surgeon with the right level of experience, but there are questions you can ask andpeople whose opinions you can queryto help find the right surgeon.
CriteriaPatients and surgeons should select an implant that fits the following criteria:The implant has a reasonable track record of useThe surgeon has used the implant beforeIt is appropriate for the patient’s condition
Criteria
Patients and surgeons should select an implant that fits the following criteria:The implant has a reasonable track record of useThe surgeon has used the implant beforeIt is appropriate for the patient’s condition
Patients and surgeons should select an implant that fits the following criteria:
A Word From Verywell
1 SourceVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health.Hip Replacement.
1 Source
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institutes of Health.Hip Replacement.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Institutes of Health.Hip Replacement.
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