Latest Advancements in Hip Replacement Surgery

Surgery is constantly adapting and advancing; hip replacement surgery is no exception. Thanks to the patient work of thousands of surgeons and their patients, what was once a painful, complicated procedure is now commonplace throughout the world.

With many people going abroad for hip replacement surgery, there’s sometimes a concern that they won’t get access to the latest advancements and techniques. That’s not true. From Vilnius to Warsaw, Eastern European surgeons rely on the same advanced technologies and surgical strategies as their Western counterparts.

In this article, we explore some of these advancements promising to make hip replacements safer, easier, and longer lasting than ever before.

Better Implant Materials

Implant materials have undergone a revolutionary change in the past few decades. Improvements in material science led to the development of better plastics and metals. New coatings even allow the bone to integrate with the implant surface, solidifying the new joint.

With greater longevity and reduced risk of loosening, it means one thing: fewer surgeries. Not only does that reduce the cost for patients, but it also reduces the risks associated with any kind of surgery – especially invasive surgeries like hip replacements.

So, what are these new materials? Here’s a list of your current options:

Metal Alloys

• Stainless Steel: Used in earlier designs, less common now.
• Cobalt-Chromium Alloys: Widely used due to their high wear resistance and strength.
• Titanium and Titanium Alloys: Popular for their biocompatibility, strength, and corrosion resistance.

Polyethylene

• Conventional Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE): Used in earlier implants.
• Highly Cross-Linked Polyethylene: A more modern version, it undergoes a process to increase its wear resistance and longevity.

Ceramics

• Alumina (Aluminium Oxide): Known for its hardness and wear resistance.
• Zirconia (Zirconium Oxide): Initially popular but less used now due to concerns over long-term stability.
• Newer Ceramic Composites: Such as alumina matrix composites that incorporate zirconia, offering improved toughness and wear characteristics.

Ceramic Coated Materials

• These are metals (like titanium or cobalt-chromium) coated with a ceramic layer to combine the benefits of both materials.

Of these cutting-edge materials, highly cross-linked polyethylene for plastic components and newer ceramic composites are among the most durable and high quality. Indeed, for polyethylene, at 10 to 15 years, the materials far outperform previous generations – 97% of the original implant is still functioning at 10 years.

Nonetheless, titanium and titanium alloys remain popular for their metallic components, being extremely biocompatible and having an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.

Implant Coatings

Then, there’s the advanced coatings. In previous implants, cement – although still the best option in patients with low bone density (osteoporosis) – was often the weakest part of the system. Despite a high success rate of around 90% over a decade later, new coatings promote bone fusion (osseointegration), creating a strong, stable bond.

• Hydroxyapatite (HA): Mimics bone mineral, promotes bone growth and integration.
• Porous Metal: Titanium or cobalt-chromium with a porous structure for bone to grow into.
• Bioactive Glass: Reacts with body fluids, forming bone-friendly layers.
• Calcium Phosphate: Similar to HA, helps bone cell attachment and growth.
• Textured Surfaces: Increases surface area for better bone bonding.
• Experimental Coatings: New research focuses on bioactive and resorbable options for improved bone integration.

Improved Pain Control

Another key area of advancement for hip replacement surgery is pain control. Surgeons can dramatically enhance patient comfort and recovery by combining advanced surgical techniques, anaesthesia, and postoperative pain management strategies.

General anaesthesia remains the most popular option for pain management in hip replacements. Due to its invasive nature, general anaesthetic ensures a reliable reduction in pain and prevents patients from becoming distressed.

Some hospitals are experimenting with regional anaesthesia, specifically spinal or epidural anaesthesia. These options numb the lower half of the body. There are two main reasons to opt for this approach:

1. Regional anaesthesia, such as spinal or epidural anaesthesia, effectively numbs the lower half of the body. Patients often require fewer painkillers, particularly opioids, which can have side effects and addictive potential.
2. Regional anaesthesia can lead to a faster recovery process. It minimises the risk of certain complications associated with general anaesthesia, such as nausea, vomiting, and respiratory issues. Patients can regain consciousness quicker and experience less disorientation post-surgery, which is beneficial for early mobilisation and rehabilitation.

In addition, small surgical incisions cause less tissue disruption and lead to less postoperative pain and quicker recovery. Now, computer-assisted and robotic systems could further minimise trauma. That, in turn, also reduces the reliance on strong opioid medications – the mainstay of post-surgical pain management. A combination of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), paracetamol, and local anaesthetics reduce reliance on opioids and their associated side effects.

Faster Recovery Times

Once (though no longer) patient recovery meant lying in bed for days or weeks after the operation. The body needed time to heal. That’s certainly true – however, a new understanding of physical therapy encourages early movement and mechanical training.

Patients will be asked to perform basic exercises just after the operation. These movements are minimal at first, but patients can expect to see a substantial (up to 90%) improvement and recovery within 12 weeks post-surgery. After all, you’re not sick; you have a mechanical problem.

The result? The best candidates return home within 24 hours of surgery. Although, it’s often advised that patients spend longer in a rehabilitation facility to help facilitate their recovery.

Kardiolita Hospital – Your Best Option for Hip Replacement Surgery Abroad

Our surgeons spend hours reading and debating the latest scientific literature. We pride ourselves on employing some of the most advanced techniques and materials. Indeed, we exclusively use the latest 4^th generation hip implants, which have received global approval and praise.

We also continually refine our surgical complications management and recovery process. That’s why Lithuania ranks 2^nd for the lowest occurrence of complications following orthopaedic surgery.

And you receive the most advanced materials and procedures for a fraction of the hip surgery price in Ireland (roughly 10% of the price).

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