Hip replacement surgery is necessary for a wide range of different conditions. The most common condition is arthritis, but it can also be performed by a New Orleans orthopedic surgeon in situations where the patient has fallen and broken their hip.
Most hip replacements last 20+ years, offering a stable, long-term solution to pain and loss of movement. However, there are some potential complications from hip replacement surgery, including bone density loss that can make the bone around the hip joint thin and brittle and lead to further breakage.
So what can you do?
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is commonly used to treat osteoporosis in men and women. However, if your bone density loss is not due to osteoporosis, HRT may not result in the desired effect. You will need to speak with your New Orleans orthopedic doctor concerning the recommended course of action.
There are a number of prescription drugs that have been developed to fight against bone density loss. In most situations, the medications are able to halt further loss and even reverse the condition. Each medication has its own potential side effects, and you should only take a prescription medication if ordered by your New Orleans orthopedic surgeon.
The right diet and nutrition can also help to slow, stop or even reverse bone density loss. It’s important that any patient who has undergone a total hip replacement eat a diet that is rich in vitamins D and K.
Weight loss can have intense effects on every part of the body. And when it concerns bone density, the manner of weight loss the patient chooses can be very important. It’s important to choose the right method because bone density tends to decrease as body weight is lost. This is especially true with weight loss methods that don’t involve a healthy diet and physical exercise that builds muscle mass.
Lifestyle choices can also result in a loss of bone density, even in patients without a hip replacement surgery. Smoking and drinking alcohol are two choices that can have significant effects on bone density.
Bone density loss doesn’t have to be your fate, as there are numerous ways to fight it after your hip replacement. If you are concerned, Schedule a Consultation today to discuss it with your New Orleans orthopedic surgeon.