Hip Implants in India at the Lowest Cost

What Are the Different Types of Hip Implants Based on the Components and Design?

There are four main types of hip implants available in the market currently. We have provided a brief explanation regarding the same below:

• Metal-on-polyethylene Implants

In these implants, the ball over the femoral head is made of metal, but the thigh bone socket is made of plastic or has a plastic lining. These implants are susceptible to wear and tear in both metal and plastic components and therefore can become loose after some time.

• Ceramic-on-polyethylene Implants

For these implants, the ball component is made of ceramic material, while the socket is made of plastic or has a plastic lining. These implants can lead to osteolysis (destruction of underlying supporting bone) in some cases.

• Ceramic-on-ceramic Implants

In this implant, both articulating surfaces, i.e., the ball and the socket, have a ceramic lining. These implants have high wear resistance and last for a long time. However, since ceramics can be brittle if not made properly, they are more prone to fracture than metal implants.

• Ceramic-on-metal Implants

For these implants, the ball is made of ceramic, while the socket is made of metal or has a metal lining. These implants have less wear than traditional metal-on-metal implants and are thus preferred over them for hip replacement surgery.

• Metal-on-metal Implants

In these implants, both components are made of metal, and they don’t have a plastic liner or cushioning between them. Due to the lack of cushioning, these implants can cause stress while walking. They are generally not preferred nowadays as they have larger components and can release ions in the bloodstream.

Your surgeon will evaluate your case and determine the best kind of implant for you before your surgery to ensure the best and most long-lasting results.

How Are Hip Implants Fixed?

There are three types of fixation techniques used by hip surgeons to fix the implant to the surrounding bone during hip replacement surgery:

• Cemented fixation: For cemented fixation, bone cement is used to create a mechanical bond between the implant and the bone. It is normally preferred in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or in patients with compromised bone quality and density.
• Cementless fixation: During cementless fixation, the implant is fixed next to the bone, and its stability is ensured by encouraging bone growth in the area surrounding it. It is preferred for younger patients who have plenty of high-quality bone.
• Hybrid fixation: During hybrid fixation, the acetabular component is generally inserted without cement, while the femoral stem is fixed in the bone with the bone cement.

Who Are the Most Well-Known Manufacturers of Hip Implants?

Some of the best manufacturers of hip implants in India and globally are:

• Zimmer Biomet: Biomet M2a Magnum Model
• DePuy Synthes Orthopedics (Johnson & Johnson): DePuy PINNACLE Hip Model
• Stryker Orthopaedics: Stryker Rejuvenate & Stryker ABG II Models

How Is the Best Hip Implant Chosen for the Patient?

While choosing a hip implant, the surgeon considers the following factors for a successful hip replacement surgery:

• What are the patient’s requirements for the implant and activity level after the surgery?
• What is the patient’s budget for the overall hip replacement treatment?
• What kind of surgery is it – primary or revision hip replacement? 
• What is the patient’s age, overall health condition, hip bone condition, bone quality and density?
• Where the patient lives, and how much physiotherapy can they undergo? etc.

Based on such questions and the patient’s preferences, the surgeon will make their final selection. It is very important the right type of hip implant is used during the surgery to avoid complications that might necessitate re-surgery and revision hip replacement. 

What Are the Risks & Complications Associated With Hip Implants and Replacement Surgery?

Normally, hip replacement is an advanced and risk-free surgery, however, in rare cases, there can be certain complications. The most common risks that can occur during or after hip replacement surgery are:

• Anesthesia-related complications
• Heart attack
• Infection
• Hemorrhage
• Blood clot formation
• Hip implant dislocation
• Joint or bone fracture
• Nerve or soft tissue damage
• Loosening of the implant
• Difference in leg lengths
• Bone loss/osteolysis

These complications are normally completely managed if they are discovered in time. You should consult your surgeon immediately if you notice any signs of complications such as groinal pain, hip or leg inflammation, limping, popping sound while moving the hip joint, etc.

What Happens if a Hip Implant Is Dislocated?

After a hip replacement, you need to relearn how to move around. In some cases, stressing the joint can lead to implant dislocation. Though dislocation is incredibly rare, if it is to occur, it generally occurs within the first few weeks of the surgery. 

If a dislocation occurs within a few weeks of the replacement surgery, the surgeon can push back the implant in the socket in a procedure called closed reduction. If closed reduction is not possible, then surgery might be needed to relocate the joint.

Surgery for relocation of the hip implant involves muscle or ligament tightening for the tissues surrounding the joint or replacement of the prosthetic joint with a better-fitting implant. 

Patients can prevent the dislocation of hip implants by following the given tips:

• Do not cross your legs while sitting.
• Do not bend your body at the waist beyond 90 degrees.
• Do not sleep on your side.
• Do not sit on sofas or low chairs that are hard to get up from.