Question

The patient in the bed has had a non cemented hip replacement. As you care for this patient you demonstrate the understanding of non-cemented hip replacement care by knowing a. ambulation will be slower b. The risk of dislocation is lower c. A cemented replacement would last longer d. Full weight-bearing will not occur for 4 to 6 weeks i. 1,3 ii. 2,3 iv. 2,4

Answer 1

b) risk of dislocation will be lower

d) full weight bearing will not occur for 4 to 6 weeks

iv) 2,4

Hip replacement is the surgical replacement of the part or full hip joint indicated in joint impairment.

Hip replacement can be total or partial. Total hip Replacement is characterised by replacement of the acetabulum and the femoral head. In partial hip replacement only the femoral head is replaced.

Hip replacement is indicated in:

1. Fracture of the femur or acetabulum

2. Hip joint osteoarthritis

3. Avascular necrosis of femur

4. Bone tumors

5. Pagets disease

The hip replacement can be of two types:

1. Cemented hip replacement

2. Non cemented hip replacement

In cemented hip replacement bone cement is used between the bone surface and prosthesis to achieve the fixation between the bone and prosthesis.

In non cemented hip replacement the prosthesis is pressed and fit into the bone. The natural bone growth is allowed to occur between the cancellous bone and prosthesis to achieve the fixation.

The cemented prosthesis have a major disadvantage that the cement may get loosened over time leading to loosening of joint. The uncemented prosthesis will have a better survival rate once the bone growth occurs.

The weight bearing in uncemented prosthesis will be delayed as the natural bone growth takes little longer.