How to Prevent Early Hip Replacement Failure

Artificial hip implants, aka hip replacements, are great at restoring pain free hip function and movement as well as allowing hip pain sufferers to return to active lifestyles. However, hip replacements have certain drawbacks, namely loosening and wear of the prosthesis. But with proper care, hip replacements can last for many years. Read on to learn helpful, easy-to-follow steps on how to prevent early hip replacement wear and failure.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Knowledge
• Common Sense
• A Plan
• Awareness

1. Pick a Qualified Hip Surgeon - Prior to having a hip replaced, go to great lengths to find the most experienced and qualified hip replacement surgeon to perform your surgery. The better the surgeon replacing your hip, the greater the likelihood that your new hip replacement will last as long as possible. Find a doctor with extensive hip replacement experience who has a low patient complication/complaint record and one who performs his hip replacement surgeries in a high volume hospital!

2. Avoid High-Impact Activities - High-impact activities are detrimental to the health and longevity of an artificial hip replacement. Running, jogging, high-impact aerobics, etc. - these types of activities place tremendous amounts of stress and strain on an artificial hip joint and can significantly reduce its lifespan by increasing wear and loosening of the prosthesis. Perform regular low-impact exercise - walking, cycling, swimming, etc. - as a great way to maintain and improve overall health and to help maximize the life of your artificial hip replacement.

3. Keep Weight Normal - Excess body weight places increased stress on an artificial hip joint, which can, over time, lead to premature wear and failure of the artificial hip prosthesis. Every pound of body weight gained places an additional 3-4 pounds of loading on the hip joints. Being obese or significantly overweight is a major risk factor for premature wear and/or failure of an artificial hip replacement. Keeping a normal body weight will help extend the life of your artificial hip replacement.

4. Keep Leg Muscles Strong - Strong leg muscles help support and stabilize the hip joints and go a long way towards making a hip replacement last as long as possible. The stronger and more conditioned your leg muscles are, the less body weight that your hips have to shoulder. Leg extensions, leg curls, walking, cycling - these are all great low-impact exercises that help keep legs strong and help to stabilize and prolong the life of a hip replacement.