A hip prosthesis will replace the normal joint function. It normally consists of a cup, which is operated into the pelvic bone, and a stem with a ball head, which is operated into the thigh bone (femoral bone). As in the natural joint, the artificial joint will therefore consist of a ball head that rotates in a cavity in the pelvic bone. The joint is kept together by the tendons and muscles, just like your natural joint. The purpose of the total joint replacement is to offer a pain free life to the patient, with a well functioning hip joint over as many years as possible.
________________________
Prosthetic implants are available in many materials and shapes. The ball head and the cup, which constitute the contact surfaces of
the artificial joint, may be made of metal, ceramics or plastic materials. Hip prostheses are also available in various sizes enabling
the surgeon to choose the implant that fits the patient the best. It is important that the materials of the prosthesis are not worn
down or damaged when the patient moves and it is exposed to physical load. This was earlier a big problem, when the parts of the
artificial joint were worn down, and a re-operation was necessary after a few years. This is the reason why many doctors earlier
recommended waiting as long as possible before having a total hip replacement. Current materials are much better, and the wear is much
less of a problem. You can therefore expect that a modern prosthesis will last for 15 – 20 years, and possibly even longer!
Cemented Prosthetic Implants
The majority of implants are still so-called cemented implants. The prosthesis, which is made of cobalt-chromium alloy or stainless
steel, is smaller than the cavity it will be placed into, and is fixed be means of epoxy based bone cement. This method offers
efficient pain reduction and a satisfactory functionality of the hip joint. Cemented implants may have their limitations for
younger patients who are active and therefore put the joint under more strain – and who need a prosthesis that will function
well for many years. Also, for patients with deviating geometry in their hip joint, it has been shown that cemented implants
offer inferior results with regards to how long it will take before the implant has to be replaced.
Uncemented Prosthetic Implants
Uncemented prosthetic implants constitute an alternative for younger and more active patients – patients still in their working age. These are modeled to fit into the cavity of the bone without the aid of bone cement. Usually they have a porous surface enabling the surrounding bone to grow into the surface of the prosthesis and thus fixate the implant further. Such prostheses are more suitable for younger and more active patients who expose the prosthesis for more strain and load. For the bone to grow into the surface of the prosthesis, it is necessary that there is good contact between the prosthesis and the surrounding bone.
Standard type prosthesis. Only size varies...
Unique® custom fit prosthesis. Every stem is different in size and shape...
Unique® Individually Designed Implants Unique is an individually designed prosthesis that has been developed and is supplied by SCP. The prosthesis is uncemented, and all are custom made in order to fit perfectly to the individual patient. When the patient is examined at the hospital or by the specialist, he/she will arrange for a digital image (CT image) of the hip and thigh to be taken. This constitutes the basis for designing a prosthesis which fits perfectly into the cavity of the thigh bone. This ensures good contact between the prosthesis and the surrounding bone. This offers good support for the prosthesis and the bone cells will quickly grow into the porous surface of the prosthesis, supporting long term fixation of the prosthesis.
It is also important that the patient obtains a well functioning joint after surgery. We achieve this by adjusting the neck of the prosthesis so that the artificial joint always functions like a normal, healthy joint. This enables you to rise from a chair, walk, run and otherwise lead an active live for many years after a total hip replacement. And this without causing wears of the artificial joint and without causing excess strain on your muscles and tendons due to erroneous load.
A custom fit prosthesis is the preferred solution for patients with an active life for many years after surgery. Unique makes it possible to reconstruct a well functioning joint.
In addition, Unique offers great advantages for patients with excess cartilage wear due to imperfect geometry of the hip joint. This can be patients with deformed or damaged joints due to disease, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, or who are born with dysplasia – or for patients with leg length differences or other deviations from a normal hip. The deviations can also be due to earlier accidents, where the bone has grown improperly.
With Unique, patients with such deviations in their hip joint can be certain that their legs will get the same length and that the angles of the hip become perfect. This is part of our design process.
