New Technology Creates Better-fitting Hip Replacements

That's very important to today's AARP-aged adults, who do not want to be limited by physical disability.

A good example of a person who wanted to remain active is Sy Woodall, an active senior from Valdosta, Ga. He recently made the decision to undergo total hip-replacement surgery after an MRI revealed that he was suffering from severe osteoarthritis in his hip.

Woodall initially thought he was suffering from a groin pull, but the pain persisted over several years and became increasingly crippling.

"Simple things, just like climbing stairs, became a tremendous problem all of a sudden," recalls Woodall. "Naturally, I'd like to get back to playing with my grandkids. I'd like to get back to that golf course. I would like to travel without being inhibited."

For otherwise healthy patients such as Woodall, concerns about postoperative dislocation, range of motion and implant longevity are paramount.

Orthopaedic manufacturers such as Stryker are continually looking for technologies to help better address these needs.

While larger joints are generally considered preferable for their potential for increased range of motion and reduced risk of dislocation, concerns about patient compatibility have meant that some anatomically sized hip implants were only available to a limited subset of the population.

Stryker's most recent offering, LFIT™ Anatomic Heads with X3 liners, takes advantage of technology that has the potential to reduce friction between the implanted joints and may offer greater wear resistance.

This technology enables the company to offer larger components designed to accurately reflect the natural human anatomy.

In addition, these new implants also offer the potential to increase range of motion and reduce the risk of dislocation and are compatible with a broad range of patients.

"Mr. Woodall was an excellent candidate for the advanced hip system because he wanted to stay active, relieve his pain, have good function and have his hip last a long time," explains his surgeon, Dr. John Waldrop. "This new technology increases range of motion while addressing the complication of it popping out of joint."

Staying informed, prepared and committed to completing a regimen of physical therapy are vital to the success of hip-replacement surgery.

In Woodall's case, physical therapy began within 24 hours of surgery. At that time he was surprised to already be well on his way towards regaining his independence.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons estimates that approximately 200,000 people undergo total hip replacements each year. That number is likely to grow in years to come, given that the number of Americans age 65 and older is expected to double by 2030.

Many of today's seniors are healthy and stay fit playing sports they love. New hip-replacement technology can help them stay mobile for longer.

Hip dislocation is a major concern, both in terms of lifestyle recovery objectives as well as in economic repercussions. Dislocation can be incredibly painful and often requires a revision surgery. According to the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 3 to 4 percent of all Medicare patients receiving hip-replacement surgery will experience a dislocation, a burden that costs the U.S. healthcare system an estimated $74 million annually.