Hip prosthesis
When do I need an artificial knee joint?
If pain is dominating your life and there has been no significant improvement in hip pain despite all conservative measures, it is time to consider a joint replacement or an artificial joint.
The aim of implanting an artificial hip joint (hip prosthesis) is to restore freedom from pain, mobility and mobility. However, an artificial joint can never completely replace the perfection of a natural joint. Artificial hip joints are available in various sizes and different materials.
Which method is best suited?
Thanks to the advanced and tissue-sparing keyhole surgery method, in which the artificial hip joint is inserted from the front in a minimally invasive procedure, the stabilising hip muscles are only pushed to the side and not cut through as in the past. A skin incision of around eight centimetres is all that is needed to insert the artificial hip joint without damaging the tissue.
What are the advantages of the soft tissue-orientated method?
Because no muscles are injured with this technique, there is significantly less pain after the operation. Thanks to the tissue-sparing procedure, blood loss is also relatively low. This means that the previously required autologous blood donation can be completely dispensed with.
What is the lifespan of an artificial hip joint?
Even if it is hoped that the new artificial hip joint will last a lifetime, it is important to realise that the artificial hip joint is always a temporary solution. This may be due to wear and tear of the bearing surfaces, especially if plastic or metal has been used, or to the natural progression of the ageing process (osteoporosis), which can have a significant influence on the stability of the artificial joint.
Until now, the average lifespan of an artificial hip joint was assumed to be at least 10 to 15 years. The tissue-sparing surgical method and the materials available today (e.g. ceramic/ceramic as a sliding pairing) make us confident that the lifespan of an artificial hip joint is now significantly longer. This always assumes that infections, falls with resulting bone fractures or rapid progression of osteoporosis do not put a premature end to the artificial hip joint.
How does the operation work?
Everything you need to know about hip joint surgery or the use of an artificial hip joint can be found here.
How is hip osteoarthritis treated?
The most frequently asked questions answered by the Head of the Centre for Joint and Sports Surgery, PD Dr Andreas L. Oberholzer, in an interview:
Interview with PD Dr Andreas Oberholzer
Experience report: Interview with Mr Eggensperger (former patient) about his hip operation
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We guarantee rapid, expert clarification and advice as well as treatment using the most modern methods.
PD Dr Andreas L. Oberholzer is a recognised expert in hip complaints and has extensive experience in the field of artificial hip joints.
Book your appointment directly online here or call us on +41 44 388 16 16. You are also welcome to come to us for a second opinion.
PD Dr Andreas L. Oberholzer
FMH specialist in orthopaedics and trauma surgery. Areas of specialisation: Knee, hip and foot surgery.