During a standard hip replacement operation, the surgeon removes part of your hip joint that has been damaged and replaces it with artificial parts that function in the same way as a healthy hip structure. Oftentimes this procedure is performed on one side of the hip, but if both hips are worn and deteriorated, sometimes a dual or bilateral hip replacement operation is necessary. In today’s blog, we take a closer look at double hip replacements.
The Need For A Double Hip Replacement
Oftentimes an acute injury or deficiencies in our gait leads to one hip joint deteriorating faster than the other, meaning most people only need surgery on one side of their hip. However, if degenerative conditions lead to expedited wear and tear on both hip joints, it’s possible that addressing only one hip joint will not be enough. Conditions that can lead to dual hip joint deterioration include:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteonecrosis
- Developmental hip dysplasia
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common examples of a health condition affecting both hip joints. In fact, in nearly 50 percent of people with osteoarthritis, both hip joints are affected, and roughly 1 in 4 of those individuals will eventually need to have both hip joints replaced. If it makes sense to replace them both at the same time instead of subjecting the patient to two single joint replacements, a dual replacement operation may be suggested. That said, double hip replacement operations are still pretty rare.
Double hip replacements typically come in two different forms, a simultaneous replacement and a staged double replacement. As the name implies, a simultaneous replacement involves replacing both hip joints during one extended operation, as this can help to cut down on costs and overall rehabilitation time. That being said, it will involve more discomfort that could make rehab more difficult. Also, because it involves a longer procedure, it carries a slightly higher risk of complications.
In a staged double replacement, the surgeon replaces one hip joint and the patient begins rehabilitation shortly thereafter. Once they’ve gained strength and confidence in their new hip, another procedure is performed to address their other hip joint, typically 3-6 months after the initial operation.
Studies that have examined both types of hip replacement operations found that many patients benefit from having their second hip joint replaced at a shorter interval compared to a longer interval. And while many patients may not be candidates for simultaneous hip replacement, it speaks to the larger point of really committing to your rehab if you’re being considered for a staged double replacement. The more effort you put into your physical therapy and recovery, the stronger the artificial joint area will become, and that will allow you to have your second procedure performed sooner, which is associated with better functional outcomes.
So if you are having pain in one or both of your hip joints, consider talking with your primary care physician or a hip replacement specialist like Dr. Botero. We can help take a look at your hips, see how wear and tear are affecting the joints and develop a conservative or operative plan to help keep your pain at bay. Whether that involves a single or double hip replacement operation, know that you are in good hands with Dr. Botero. For more information about hip replacement, or for answers to your question, give Dr. Botero’s team a call today at (865) 558-4444.
