Blue Ribbon Medical Network experts understand that total hip arthroplasty is a groundbreaking procedure that has revolutionized medicine. This surgery has transformed treatments for chronic hip pain and mobility loss, enabling experienced surgeons to enhance the quality of life for patients in need significantly.
It is essential to meet certain general and specific criteria to be considered an ideal candidate for this procedure. Since it is a complex surgery, it requires a dedicated recovery period and physical rehabilitation.
Total hip arthroplasty: who is the ideal candidate for surgery?
As mentioned, total hip arthroplasty is a procedure that significantly improves the quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic hip pain and mobility loss. Following the operation, patients can regain their independence and perform daily activities without pain or limitations.
Before making any decisions, scheduling an initial consultation with an experienced and certified surgeon in the field is essential. This step ensures a precise diagnosis of the cause and complexity of the pain, determining whether the procedure is the most suitable option. The initial consultation also plays a critical role in identifying if the patient is an ideal candidate for the surgery.
Hip replacement is typically performed for various reasons. At Blue Ribbon Medical Network, we outline the most important causes:
- Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other forms of inflammatory arthritis.
- Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is a condition where the femoral head doesn’t receive adequate blood supply and begins to deteriorate.
- Fractures or complex hip traumas.
- Deformities, such as hip dysplasia or coxa vara.
- Previous surgeries have not yielded the expected results.
Each of these conditions can cause significant mobility limitations and chronic pain, negatively affecting the patient’s quality of life. A certified surgeon, such as those in the Blue Ribbon Medical Network, can make a meaningful difference by providing effective and long-lasting pain relief through safe and reliable surgery.
What are the criteria for being considered a candidate?
Beyond having a medical condition that justifies the surgery, it is crucial to meet additional criteria to be considered an ideal candidate. Below are some of the most important factors to take into account:
- Chronic, constant, and progressive pain that prevents the patient from enjoying an active and independent daily life.
- Little or no response to more conservative treatments.
- Significant mobility limitations that make walking, climbing stairs, or performing everyday physical activities difficult.
- The patient must be in good general health to confirm they can tolerate both the surgery and the recovery process.
- The patient should have realistic expectations about the surgery and the benefits it can provide.
Who is not a good candidate for surgery?
Just as there are requirements to be an ideal candidate, there are factors that can disqualify a patient from undergoing surgery. At Blue Ribbon Medical Network, we highlight the most important ones:
- Patients with active infections at the time of consultation, whether in the body in general or specifically in the hip area.
- Patients with poor bone quality or bones that are too weak to support the prosthesis.
- Patients with morbid obesity, this significantly increases the risk of complications.
- Patients with blood clotting disorders, which raise the risk of clot formation.
- Patients with complex heart or lung diseases.
Orthopedic procedures are intricate and require a patient in generally good health. The best approach is to consult with experienced and certified surgeons to obtain the most accurate diagnosis possible. This ensures an objective determination of whether the patient is a suitable candidate for the operation.
Reliable diagnoses and procedures with Blue Ribbon Medical Network
Total hip arthroplasty can be a life-changing operation for patients with chronic pain and mobility limitations. However, it is essential for patients to meet all the criteria to be considered suitable candidates for surgery. In this regard, good overall health and the absence of chronic illnesses are critical.
At Blue Ribbon Medical Network, we provide top-quality medical tourism services. This means you can benefit from safe procedures performed by the best surgeons and enjoy a relaxing tourism experience that contributes to your recovery.
Would you like to learn more about our certified surgeons or services? Contact us at contact@blueribbonmedicalnetwork.com, and we’ll promptly provide all the information you need.