Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 10/24/2008

Question
Hi,

I am a 29 yrs old married 2 months back & settled with my husband in Japan. My husband however is in Japan for past 6 yrs. He is a Software Consultant.

My husband is aging 30 yrs.  He had a fracture due to slipping at the Airport 5 yrs back & had to undergo a hip replacement surgery in Japan itself. He had been staying alone in Japan for past 6yrs & was doing all the household activities on his own.He is feeling fine & doing well. He takes particular care about his health, his food, exercises as suggested by the doctors.

But i am always in fear that what may happen next moment if the ceramic bone wears out or any other problem may occur. This tension has made me very restless though i dont reveal it to my husband. Please suggest how do i cope up with this situation. How valid & safe are these hip replacement surgeries? What special care should i take to keep my husband fit & healthy always.

I will be very grateful to you if you advice me on this

Answer

Total Hip Replacement Hi Shruti,  Thanks for the question. First please do not allow yourself to get stressed out about the hip replacement. You will find you have spent a lot of time worrying for nothing.
These hips are designed to last many years depending on how well your husband takes care of it.
I am sure he has been told and instructed what he can and cannot do in regards to injuring the joint itself.

As long a his body weight is under control and does not get to heavy the joint will hold up well. Its when people allow themselves to gain excess weight that the replacement is put under stress that will wear them out pre-maturely.

These replacements are safe. They have been doing them in Europe for years. There should not be any further complications because of the hip replacement. if your husband is taking care of himself then he will be just fine.

At this point the hip is thoroughly healed and i would like to think he should get at least 20 years or more of use out of the hip before it needs to be replaced again. Its a possibility he could get more depending on what his surgeon may have said.

The fact that he is a young guy he may need another hip replacement down the road later in life. The materials they use today though are much better then previous replacements and more durable.

he and you both just have to watch his bodyweight keep it under control and some exercise like simple walking, swimming is very good, lifting weights can be done as well as long as he does not squat deep.

If he goes to a gym to exercise there are many machines there as well designed to help keep his leg strong.

Again do not worry about the hip. I have worked with them for years they hold up well and should last him very long time.
If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Fla. USA
www.totaljointfitness.com