Arthritis is the number one cause of chronic disability in the United States. The Arthritis Foundation estimates the disease now affects the joints of 70 million people, nearly one in three Americans.

John A. Maltry, M.D., a joint replacement specialist at Tucson Orthopaedic Institute, helps people understand arthritis this way, “A normal joint is like ice cubes on ice cubes. When those joints wear out they act more like sand paper on sand paper. They generate heat, swelling and the pain of osteoarthritis.”

Arthritis can be anywhere, in any joint. It is the most significant health problem in America. While it is not life threatening, arthritis contributes to lifestyle declines and the deterioration of the heart, lungs and muscles.

Anti-inflammatory medications, formerly including Vioxx, are the first line of treatment for mild to moderate arthritis. They help to maintain active lifestyles. Hundreds of other

socket is usually made of metal and the inner shell consists of plastic, or the entire socket may be plastic. When the metal ball is joined with the socket, the new hip can allow for smooth, nearly frictionless movement.

New Surgical Options
Surgeons have been replacing hip joints for over four decades. To access the hip to repair it they have traditionally made large incisions, from 12 to 14 inches. This open procedure gave the surgeon an excellent direct view of the hip. The length of patient recovery and rehabilitation prompted surgeons to look for other methods. In the past few years, minimally invasive (MISTM) methods to hip surgery have gained considerable attention. Minimally invasive hip replacement surgery reduces the length of the incision to 3 to 4 inches.

New surgical techniques using smaller incisions can offer shorter hospital stays and can reduce recovery periods from 3 to 4 months to 4 to 6 weeks. Many patients report less pain following a minimally invasive approach. Often patients whohave had a traditional hip replacement on the opposite side are particularly appreciative of the MISTM benefits.

antiinflammatory medications have been in use for decades. If you have concerns about your medication, call your family doctor or orthopaedic surgeon.

How do you know when it is time to see an orthopaedic surgeon? When you notice persistent pain in the groin or pain and swelling in the knees, it might be time to consult an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in total joint replacements for an x-ray and evaluation.

Total Hip Replacement
Injury or disease can damage your hip in several ways, resulting in a broken or deteriorated bone, irritated bursae, or worn cartilage. Damaged cartilage leads to

More advances are on the horizon. The Institute has been training orthopaedic surgeons in minimally invasive surgery techniques since 2002, including global broadcasts of instruction in leading edge techniques. Maltry explains, “Our commitment to training and to being at the forefront of advances in minimally invasive joint replacement surgery has benefited both surgeons and patients, by improving the quality and efficiency of orthopaedic care.”

No one technique is right for everyone. At Tucson Orthopaedic Institute, a careful examination and consultation always precedes any recommendation. “We want to let people know this is available, and that they are welcome to come in and get a personal

various forms of arthritis.

When conservative treatments are not enough, and the smooth cartilage surface of the hip breaks down, the orthopaedic surgeon may need to replace the cartilage surface with an artificial material. This is known as a total hip replacement. In a total hip replacement surgery, the painful parts of the damaged hip are replaced with artificial hip parts called a prosthesis, a device that substitutes or supplements a joint. The prosthesis consists of steel components: a socket, ball, and stem. The outer shell of the

assessment and recommendation on the best procedure for their specific needs,” John A. Maltry, M.D. explains, adding that one of the primary jobs of a good surgeon is to select the best surgery for each person.

Regardless of approach, the goal of total hip replacement is to return patients to a good functional level without the hip pain. The large majority of patients are able to achieve this goal.

For more information or to arrange a consultation with a joint replacement surgeon at Tucson Orthopaedic Institute, please call one of our three convenient offices.

Zimmer, Inc website www.zimmer.com. Illustration courtesy Zimmer, Inc.