Osteoarthritis Hip Treatment for Young and Elderly Patients
Osteoarthritis of the hip occurs in two very distinct population subsets.
The first common group is patients in their late 50s to 60s, where general wear and tear of the joint over time has resulted in the onset of osteoarthritis.
The second group of patients who experience osteoarthritis of the hip are usually in their 30s, or even younger. They’ve contracted this affliction due to a pre-existing condition.
General strategies that apply to both older and younger patients are the non-invasive kind.
These include:
- Physiotherapy
- Viscosupplementation
- Stem cell injection
- Chiropractic care
Let’s now examine osteoarthritis hip treatment specific to each type of group.
Patients in their 50s to 60s
Surgical options for this demographic could involve a total hip replacement, also referred to as hip arthroplasty.
However, this is quite a complicated and invasive procedure involving substantial recovery time.
A post-operative treatment program is generally recommended as well as prehab — which is minor treatment before the surgery so that muscles around the joint are strong and flexible. This helps speed up post-operation recovery time.
The typical patient that requires total hip arthroplasty would be someone who is referred to in medical parlance as a grade four patient. This means there’s almost a total loss of cartilage within the joint where the patient’s functional ability is substantially reduced. Even normal daily activities are now too difficult to attempt.
Another option is a half hip replacement, also known as a hemiarthroplasty, where only one side of the joint is replaced. This is a good temporary measure because a total hip arthroplasty is only expected to last anywhere between 12 and 15 years.
Some patients may require second total hip surgery, also called a revisional arthroplasty.
In terms of medication, osteoarthritis hip treatment may involve medication like Tylenol and Ibuprofen. It’s also possible to be prescribed stronger pain medication.
Younger Patients
The preexisting condition that causes osteoarthritis to emerge in this age group is called femoroacetabular impingement.
This is an intrinsic problem with the shape of the hip bone and its socket i.e. the ball and socket that form the hip joint are not well matched.
Hip rotation causes these two surfaces to bump into one another, hence the term impingement.
Over time this leads to tearing around the joint.
To treat it, it’s necessary to do arthroscopic surgery.
This starts with specialized X-rays to determine the damage. After that, it may necessitate shaving down the bone around the affected area to ensure these two surfaces fit each other. If done successfully, it’s possible to stave off the onset of arthritis for the next couple of decades.
Worried about the onset of osteoarthritis? Our team of dedicated professionals is on hand to assist. Contact us today to find out a suitable course of treatment personalized for your needs.