Expert: Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 9/10/2009

Question
I am a 50 yr old male that had a total hip replacement due to having an arthritic hip. I noticed on the X-Ray the surgeon used 3 anchor screws. I searched the web and looking at other X-Rays of hip replacements I only notice them with 1 screw.  My question is, what would be the reason for using 3 screws? And is this the normal amount of screws used for a total hip replacement on a 50 yr old male? Thanks

Answer
Hi Mark,

There could a couple of reasons,

1.More arthritic damage inside then the X-rays showed therefore, the surgeon may have felt that the three screws would do a better job in your case in securing the acetabulum/hip socket.

2. The size of your hip socket may have warranted it as well.

Once a surgeon gets inside they may have to resort to other plans and use other alternatives to do the job in their estimation correctly. Nothing that says one screw is all that should be applied.
I would also consult with the surgeon just to be sure but, if it was going to cause you a problem later on the surgeon would have explanied that to you as well.

Regards
Richard Haynes PTA
Punta Gorda,Florida.
www.richardhaynes.com