What Fractures Lead to a Total Hip Arthroplasty?

Hip conditions and injuries can profoundly affect individuals, posing significant challenges that sometimes necessitate considering Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) — a surgical intervention we specialize in at Ortho Westmount.

In this blog, we're delving into an essential topic that intersects closely with our expertise and answers the question "what fractures lead to a total hip arthroplasty?" 

This post will shed light on the types of fractures that can lead down the path towards this kind of hip surgery, providing insights into how this procedure can offer a new lease on life to those grappling with severe hip damage. 

Total Hip Arthroplasty, Explained

Your hip is a ball-and-socket joint; over time, this joint can get damaged due to hip arthritis, and acute or chronic injuries, among other reasons. Hip fractures often lead to significant health and mobility issues; they are particularly prevalent among the elderly, primarily due to age-related osteoporosis and increased risk of falls. 

Total hip arthroplasty, commonly known as total hip replacement surgery, is a procedure where a damaged or worn-out hip joint is replaced with an artificial one. For those who undergo a hip replacement, the damaged ball (the top part of your thigh bone) is removed and replaced with a metal or ceramic ball. The socket part of your hip (part of your pelvic bone) is also replaced or resurfaced with a durable plastic, metal, or ceramic cup. 

Types of Fractures That Can Lead to Total Hip Arthroplasty

• Femoral Neck Fractures: Femoral neck fractures present significant potential for complications, particularly due to the risk of avascular necrosis (AVN). This condition occurs when the blood supply to the femoral head is compromised, often as a direct result of the fracture. Without adequate blood flow, the bone tissue begins to die, which can lead to joint collapse and severe loss of function. For older patients or those with poor bone quality, this risk makes THA a more favorable solution, as it offers improved stability and long-term outcomes compared to internal fixation methods that may not heal properly. 
• Intertrochanteric Fractures: Intertrochanteric fractures occur between the greater and lesser trochanters of the femur and are among the most common types of hip fractures. The decision to proceed with THA rather than internal fixation depends on several patient-specific and fracture-related factors. These include age, bone density, the complexity of the fracture, and coexisting conditions like arthritis. In younger, healthier patients, surgeons may initially consider nonsurgical options or internal fixation to preserve the natural hip joint, especially if the bone quality is adequate and there are no underlying joint diseases.
• Periprosthetic Hip Fractures: Periprosthetic fractures are fractures occurring near hip implants, either in the femur around a femoral prosthesis or close to the acetabulum where the hip socket implant resides. These fractures may necessitate replacement of the implant if it becomes loose or destabilized, as they often exhibit complex patterns that can be difficult or impossible to resolve with traditional fixation methods.

Hip Surgery Options at Ortho Westmount

At Ortho Westmount, our talented orthopedic surgeons prioritize minimally invasive surgical techniques, which contribute to improved recovery times and overall outcomes. 

For total hip arthroplasty recovery, our team provides patients with comprehensive guidance on exercises and activities that promote healing while minimizing discomfort. Utilizing the latest in recovery and physical therapy protocols, we will provide you with all the information and support you need for a swift and effective recovery. Our goal is to enable patients to return to their daily routines with enhanced mobility and reduced pain. 

We offer cutting-edge minimally invasive surgery treatments and tailored care to ensure our patients achieve optimal recovery results and reclaim their freedom of movement. If you or someone you care about is experiencing hip pain or has suffered a hip fracture, reach out to Ortho Westmount for a comprehensive evaluation and to explore the most effective treatment options. 

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References

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2023, April). Fracture after total hip replacement. OrthoInfo. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/fracture-after-total-hip-replacement/ OrthoInfo
• Stirton, J. B., et al. (2019). Total hip arthroplasty for the management of hip fracture. PMC. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6403072/ pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+1

UCI Health. (n.d.). Fracture after total hip replacement. UCI Health — Hip & Knee Surgery Services. https://www.ucihealth.org/medical-services/orthopaedics/hip-knee-surgery-services/fracture-total-hip-replacement UCI Health