Abstract:
The purpose of this paper is to compile a complete overview of hip replacements. It will include numerous aspects including: history, frequency, industry, costs, causes, techniques, products, success, failure, and the future of hip replacements. Primarily the paper will focus on the practical applications rather than medical techniques.Hip replacement surgery has helped thousands of people regain a productive and enjoyable lifestyle. Although hip surgery has not always been the sophisticated science it is today. In fact one of the first complete attempts at hip arthroplasty occurred in 1890 when a physician, Dr. Sluck, replaced the head of a patient's femur with an ivory ball. (Mraz, p.88) Since this first crude surgery medical and technological advances have dramatically increased the success rates of hip surgery.There will be over 188,000 complete hip replacements performed this year in the United States, and the rate is increasing rapidly (Biomet, P.15). Consequently, growth within the orthopedic industry is phenomenal. This growth is fueled by the industries commitment to the research and development of new products and procedures in order to further improve the implantation process.
