Taking Steps Toward a More Active Lifestyle
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Robert Love, M.D.
OLBH Orthopedic Surgeon
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One of the most successful therapeutic measures in all of medicine and surgery today is total joint replacement. According to Robert Love, M.D., OLBH orthopedic surgeon, hip replacement surgery is the most effective means to improve quality of life for someone whose hip is damaged by arthritis, a severe fracture or if the bone collapses due to other medical conditions. "Normally patients visit me with severe pain that hinders daily activities" Dr. Love said. "Common activities such as walking or getting in and out of a car are painful and difficult for people who need a hip replacement."
The hip is commonly referred to as a "ball and socket" joint. The hip connects the body's trunk to the legs through the pelvis. A major weight bearing joint, the hip is surrounded and held together by muscles, ligaments and other soft tissues. "Cartilage is the material that cushions the ball and socket to allow for joint movement to be smooth and free," Dr. Love explained. "As arthritis of the hip area develops, the cartilage wears out, nerve endings become irritated and severe groin pain is present day and night. Morning stiffness also will be present. At that point it is time to consider surgical joint replacement."
The first hip Dr. Love replaced at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital was that of Jean Edwards, of Flatwoods. Edwards was referred to Dr. Love by her family physician, Dr. John Jones, for what she described as severe pain in the hip area. "Dr. Jones told me of Dr. Love's wonderful bedside manner," Edwards recalls. "It is important to me for a physician to have a good relationship with their patients."
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Jean Edwards of Flatwoods, Ky., has a renewed lease on life thanks to hip replacement surgery.
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"Edwards' condition was due to osteoarthritis that had worn away the cartilage in her hip," Dr. Love explained. In March 1988, she underwent hip replacement surgery. Edwards had her second hip replaced in 1993. "The procedure takes about an hour," Dr. Love said. "The proper prosthesis - an artificial hip joint - for the patient's particular medical condition and age is chosen. Like their own hip, the prosthesis is made of a ball and socket that fit together to form a smooth joint so walking is easy and without pain."
Edwards says having hip replacement surgery was the best thing that ever happened to her. "After I had the surgery, the pain was gone," Edwards declared. "Others facing hip replacement surgery often approach me to discuss their options. I tell them it's like this, you can suffer extreme pain and eventually live in a wheelchair, or you can have the surgery and begin to live a pain-free life again."
Before surgery, OLBH physical therapists meet with patients to discuss the rehabilitation techniques that will be used to begin recovery. During the pre-surgery education, therapists explain that by changing some old habits and rebuilding strength with gentle physical therapy exercises, patients can meet their goals and get back in step with a more active lifestyle.
During the first phase of recovery, the physical therapists, along with OLBH occupational therapists teach patients the skills needed to go home and continue recovery. "In most cases, patients will walk the next day after surgery," Dr. Love said. "Typically three days after surgery, patients either go home and receive assistance from OBLH Home Health professionals or they go to a rehabilitation facility for approximately one week."
"Once patients go home, they should continue to build strength and endurance by doing the exercises the therapists taught them in the hospital," Dr. Love advised. "The key to becoming independent is sticking with the recovery program and working at it consistently. Personal goals such as taking short walks and doing errands can be achieved by mastering them one step at a time."
For more information about hip replacement surgery at Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, available physical or occupational therapy or orthopedic surgeons, please call the CareLine at (606) 833-CARE (2273).
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