Tag Boston Hip Replacement

A common question we as surgeons, and you as the consumer, are faced with is: “How long will my hip replacement last?” It’s easy to rattle off a number, but the reality is not so cut-and-dry.

According to CDC data, in 2010 alone >310,000 hip replacements were performed in patients age 45 and older. Recent projections expect that number may reach almost 600,000 by 2030. We are seeing a significant increase in hip replacements for younger patients. From 2000-2010, the population with the largest volume increase was age 45-54. Additionally, by 2010, hip replacements in patients age 55-64 accounted for a higher percentage than those >75.

SOURCE: CDC/NCHS, National Hospital Discharge Survey, 2000 and 2010.

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In the past few years, there has been a debate among physicians and patients regarding the “optimal” approach for hip replacement. If fact, considerable marketing has been deployed to attract patients to a surgical approach, citing rapid recovery, minimal or no pain, muscle-sparing exposure, and return to unrestricted activity. The frank reality is that these outcomes are possible with almost any of the common approaches today. The American Academy of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), which is the largest collection of fellowship-trained specialists in total joint replacement, has concluded that “the best approach is the one your doctor is most comfortable with to allow safe and precise implantation of your hip replacement components.” As a patient, you should choose the surgeon and trust on their decision regarding the approach.

Surgical Hip Approaches https://musculoskeletalkey.com/the-hip-5/

I personally prefer the direct anterior approach for most of my primary hip replacement procedures. In certain circumstances, I will also utilize a direct lateral or posterior approach, but I plan for each and every case on an individual basis based on specific patient characteristics. There are benefits and disadvantages to every approach, and despite what marketing campaigns have proposed, no approach is infallible.

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