Total Hip Replacement vs Hip Resurfacing: A Physiotherapist's Perspective on the Hip Arthritis Journey

Navigating the journey of hip arthritis can feel overwhelming, particularly when surgery becomes a potential necessity. Many, including myself, are startled by a hip arthritis diagnosis at a relatively young age. As a physiotherapist who has dedicated her life to sports and physical activity, I once thought arthritis was primarily a concern for older individuals. However, my diagnosis at the age of 45 was an eye-opener that reshaped my outlook on health, exercise, and the importance of making informed decisions about surgery.

This article aims to guide you through the intricacies of total hip replacement (THR) and hip resurfacing, empowering you with the knowledge to make informed choices about treatment options, find the right surgeon, and dispel common misconceptions about hip arthritis.

Understanding Hip Arthritis

Hip arthritis can present in various forms, with osteoarthritis being the most prevalent. Factors such as anatomical morphologies—like femoral anteversion, retroversion, coxa valga, or acetabular dysplasia—can predispose individuals to cartilage degeneration. As cartilage deteriorates, the body compensates by producing osteophytes, which in turn cause stiffness and discomfort.

My Symptoms Journey

My experience with hip arthritis spanned seven years before I even considered surgery. Initially, I noticed a burning sensation in my hip, reminiscent of muscle soreness. Over time, the symptoms intensified, with radiating pain extending to my shin, burning sensations in my thighs, reduced range of motion, and a deep, persistent joint pain.

Can Physiotherapy Help?

Absolutely. A tailored physiotherapy programme played a crucial role in significantly reducing my joint pain and was able to prolong surgery date by two years. Key elements of my rehabilitation included:

· laser therapy

· hip, quadriceps, hip flexor strengthening

· femur traction

· stretching

These interventions not only fortified my hip but also reduced inflammation. Nevertheless, osteophytes continued to limit my range of motion.

Total Hip Replacement (THR)

Surgical Approaches

THR can be performed using different surgical techniques, each with its own pros and cons:

Bearing Surface Comparison

The choice of bearing surface in THR can significantly affect longevity and functionality:

Choosing the Right Surgeon

Selecting the right surgeon for THR is essential. Consider the following factors:

choose a surgeon who specializes in hip ➡️️ how many hip-surgery does the surgeon performs in a year  ➡️ how much experience does he have in your specific case ➡️ does he communicate transparently?  ➡️ hospital and team reputation  ➡️ reviews and word of mouth.       

Hip Resurfacing

Hip resurfacing is a bone-sparing alternative to THR, particularly suitable for younger, active individuals. This procedure preserves the femoral head by capping it with a smooth surface, offering several benefits:

My Decision: Ceramic-on-Ceramic Hip Resurfacing

Ultimately, I opted for ceramic-on-ceramic hip resurfacing. Though my pain was manageable, the restricted range of motion significantly impacted my lifestyle. This choice was driven by my commitment to safeguarding my musculoskeletal health and maintaining an active lifestyle.

I underwent the procedure with Dr. De Smet in Belgium, and the results have been transformative, allowing me to return to the activities I love.

While total hip replacement is a well-established orthopaedic procedure, hip resurfacing may offer better long-term function and longevity for active individuals. If you are navigating hip arthritis and considering surgical options, remember you are not alone. Reach out to professionals who can support you through this journey.

Henrietta Restrepo, a globally experienced physiotherapist, specialises in orthopaedic, neurological, and lymphatic conditions. She is a certified Lymphoedema Therapist (Földi Method) and Scoliosis Specialist (Schroth Method) at Align Wellness Studio, Grand Cayman—call (345) 640-5050 to book.

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