Hip Replacement
Hip Recalls
Sep,25,2008 08:21
As I’m
sure many of you are aware, there have been a number
of recalls of hip replacements, recently. The Zimmer
Durom cup and the Stryker Trident ceramic system have
both come under suspicion of causing problems. A
number of my patients have been calling with concern
about the hips that they have in place or are
getting. I’ve been very fortunate in that I’ve never
used either of these components. While it’s
impossible to predict the future, I try very hard to
use proven technology that has a long track record.
Patients depend on us, as surgeons, to pick an
implant that works the best for them, but will also
last a long time. I take this issue very seriously
and my philosophy is always to use the best implant
available at any given time. I am always open to
discussion about the actual parts being used. If
something is going to be part of a patient’s body,
they should be very well informed about it
beforehand.
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Tapered Titanium Stems
Mar,15,2008 08:41
We've been
using tapered titanium stems for total hip
replacements for many years now. They fit into the
thigh bone and require no cement. The bone grows into
the roughened surface plasma sprayed onto the
titanium to make the new part literally part of the
natural bone. I recently wrote a short monograph,
along with some other well know physicians, that was
published in one of the orthopaedic trade journals.
If you would like some more information, here is
the
link. My
article is on pages 7-8.
Anterior Hip Replacement
Feb,15,2008 08:42
Our
anterior hip project continues to progress well. We
are able to perform the hip replacement without using
special tables or x-ray machines, which makes it
quicker and easier to set up. There is also less
uncertainty about the placement of the components
when I can see them directly. Patients appear to have
little to no pain, although, I'll have to collect
more data to know for sure. Certainly, they are
recovering their function and ability to walk very
rapidly.