A new procedure called subchondroplasty, now being performed at The Ohio State University Wechsler Medical Center, gives patients the opportunity to repair their hips without requiring a total hip replacement. Although still in their early stages, these advances may provide an alternative to hip replacement surgery and reduce side effects.
This year, like every other year, more than 300,000 Americans will undergo hip replacement surgery due to wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis, or hip deformity or collapse. Instances of such complications are increasing and now people as young as 30 years old are being affected.
Proponents argue that subchondroplasty is easier and less invasive than traditional hip replacements. The short recovery time is also attractive for patients who require only minor maintenance rather than total hip replacement.
When performing subchondroplasty, the surgeon injects a synthetic bone substitute into the hip joint. This bone substitute hardens within the weakened bone, leading to regeneration and eventual replacement with new bone.
What hasn’t changed are the risks associated with hip surgery, including:
There are still no signs of long-term success with subchondroplasty, and Wechsler surgeons have performed about 10 procedures. As with traditional hip replacements, revision hip replacements may be required, which may require a hospital stay of up to 5 days.
Even with hip replacement alternatives, recovery from all forms of hip surgery does not always go smoothly. You will need to spend 3-4 days a week in physical therapy for several months, stop driving for at least 3-6 weeks, and find someone to support you at home 4-5 days a week.
“This represents a gap in treatment options for patients with cartilage injuries, labral tears, labral tears, etc., as there aren’t many surgeries like subchondroplasty that help regenerate bone,” said Wechsler Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Kelton Vasilev. It will help fill in the blanks.” They had advanced degenerative changes in their hips. ”
