Although hip replacement is usually viewed as a surgery for senior citizens , there are occasions where the younger population has a need to enter this special group of bionic people. The primary reason for needing a hip replacement is degenerative arthritis which causes the deterioration of cartilage to the point of having bone rub against bone. However, there are more things to consider in determining if a patient is a high or low risk candidate for surgery. High-risk patients would include those who have other medical illnesses, which make them a high risk for undergoing anesthesia. Patients who are non-compliant in taking medication, following instructions for physical therapy or other prescribed treatments would also be considered high risk.
Alternative prostheses are available.
One type is a highly cross-linked polyethylene, which is more durable for sliding stresses. It is likened in structure to spaghetti cooked and stuck together . The second type is ceramic on ceramic bearings, which has the advantage of 100 times less wear but has a disadvantage of occasional breakage and is more expensive. It has a proven track record of use in Europe for 14 years. Hospitalization is usually about 4 to 5 days followed by in-patient rehabilitation of 7 to 10 days.