If you’ve been dealing with significant pain and discomfort in your hips that hasn’t resolved with the help of physical therapy or other conservative care methods, you may be wondering if hip replacement surgery is the next best option. Hip replacement surgery can help restore function and significantly reduce pain in your legs and hips, but it’s not an option for every patient that’s dealing with hip joint issues. Below, we take a closer look at some of the factors that could make you ineligible to receive an artificial hip.
Why Am I Ineligible For A Hip Replacement Procedure?
Before a hip surgeon will move forward with scheduling your operation, you’ll undergo a comprehensive evaluation to ensure you’re a good candidate. You don’t need to be a perfect candidate in order to be eligible for hip replacement surgery, but there are some issues that may require you to consider another treatment for your hip discomfort. Some of those factors include:
- Poor Bone Density – If you are suffering from osteoporosis or low bone density, you may not be able to undergo a hip replacement procedure. Weak bones simply won’t be able to support the new joint prosthesis. Some mild bone deterioration is typically fine, but significant bone density issues can greatly increase the risk of problems down the road, so your surgeon may recommend a different treatment technique.
- Infection/Immune System Issues – An existing infection will preclude you from moving forward with a hip replacement, but so too can immunodeficiencies that increase your risk of an infection. A post-op infection could compromise the integrity of your artificial hip and require a second procedure, so if there is a significant risk of infection due to underlying health issues, your surgeon may deem the operation too risky.
- Tobacco Use – Being a smoker won’t automatically disqualify you from getting an artificial hip, but your doctor will have a discussion with you about the risks associated with smoking and hip replacement. Studies have found that smokers were upwards to 10 times more likely than nonsmokers to need a revisional operation after joint replacement surgery. If you are unwilling to make changes to your tobacco use habits, your surgeon may decide that the risk is too great.
- Obesity – Obesity can increase your likelihood of a number of different complications during or after your hip procedure. Again, if you’re willing to make some changes and strive to lose some weight, you may be eligible for surgery, but if you’re obese and have no desire to make the changes needed to increase the likelihood that surgery and recovery will go smoothly, your doctor may not operate.
- Incapable Of Rehabbing – Finally, if you are incapable of performing your pre-surgical or post-operative instructions, surgery may be a no go. For example, patients with dementia or alcoholism have a much higher fall risk, which can be a major issue when recovering after hip replacement surgery. If other health issues make you a fall risk or unable to do what will be necessary during your rehab, it may be too dangerous to move forward with an operation.
Dr. Botero and his team will do everything in their power to help you become eligible for a hip replacement procedure if that is what’s determined to be your best course of action. For more information, or to talk with a specialist about your hip or knee discomfort, reach out to Dr. Botero’s office today at (865) 558-4444.
