Hip Injuries in Seniors

written by drugwatch.com

Hip injuries are an all-too-common health problem among seniors. These injuries often result in hip replacement procedures, which are done at the rate of more than 450,000 per year in the United States. However, as common as this surgery is, it is not the easy answer that many believe it to be. In fact, in recent years, up to one-third of the hip replacements used metal-on-metal replacement parts that have proven to be problematic.

Hip Replacement Recalls

Replacing a part of the body that bears so much weight is not a simple procedure. Recovery and return to mobility are challenging under the best of circumstances. When faulty replacement devices are used, it all becomes far more complex and painful. More surgery will be required. There may be further damage and a significant possibility of additional health problems.

The recent trend toward using all-metal hip replacements has caused problems in many patients, leading to manufacturer recalls and hip replacement lawsuits. The Stryker Rejuvenate and ABG II, DePuy ASR and Zimmer Durom Cup are among those that have had a high failure rate.

It turns out that using metal on metal hip replacement systems in this weight-bearing region can result in metal particles being shed from implants into the soft tissues of the body. This condition, which can cause metal poisoning, contributes to a broad range of health problems, including immune system disorders and tissue damage.

Hip Injuries Can Be Prevented

Most hip injuries that result in the need for hip replacement come from falls. It is possible to reduce the incidents of falling, as well as the severity of the effects of a fall, to prevent serious hip injuries. However, it involves more than the commonsense actions of increasing the safety of the environment, such as removing throw rugs and keeping stairways well lit.

An active lifestyle is an important means of prevention. Regular exercise helps keep muscles toned and functioning well. Stretching, range-of-motion exercises, strength training and a daily walk are ideal activities. Physical fitness aids in maintaining and improving balance, helping to prevent falls in the first place.

Diet can also help to preserve hip health. Being overweight or obese puts more strain than necessary on the weight-bearing parts of the body, including hips. A healthy diet can maintain bone density and joint health. Healthy bones are less likely to fracture. Paying attention to nutrition can help to ensure that the body has what it needs to maintain and repair tissues and muscles.

If Surgery is Unavoidable

Sometimes hip replacement surgery is unavoidable. In addition to speaking with multiple medical professionals, do some reading about the various types of hip repair and replacement systems. Being an informed consumer allows you to be an active partner in your health care, offering real protection from some of the troublesome outcomes that those receiving metal-on-metal replacement products have endured.