I had a 'partial' hip replacement. Any health professionals that can tell me how much this prosthesis weighs?
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Answers:
"...the stem portions of most hip implants are made of titanium- or cobalt/chromium-based alloys...Cobalt/chromium-based alloys or ceramic materials (aluminum oxide or zirconium oxide) are used in making the ball portions. The acetabular socket can be made of metal, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, or a combination of polyethylene backed by metal. All together, these components weigh between 14 and 18 ounces, depending on the size needed."
source: http://www.orthoinfo.org/fact/thr_report...
"In [partial hip replacement]... the acetabulum is left intact and the head of the femur is replaced, using a component similar to those employed in a total hip replacement. Another option uses a hemi-surface device, made of a cobalt/chromium alloy. This device resembles a half circle and fits over the head of the femur, thus sparing the bone of the femoral head. It is fixed to the femur with cement around the femoral head and has a short stem that passes into the femoral neck."
(see the source cited above)
As you can see, a resurfaced hip doesn't have a stem in the femur as a total replacement does. It does have a cup in the acetabulum. So it stands to reason that it weighs a bit less than a total HR. Or, in the case of a partial where the acetabulum is left intact but the head of the femur is replaced with a stem & ball, you could subtract the weight of the acetabular module.
Some ortho surgeons have a sample in their offices to show patients. Since you are curious, ask to see and hold an implant next time you have an appt. Or just ask him/her how much your particular model weighs.
Bottom line, the weight of the implant isn't enough to make any discernable difference in how you feel or what you weigh after surgery.
I am not a health professional.
You may need to know the prosthesis manufacturer and the type of product your surgeon used. Take a look at this website for Zimmer Products, one manufacturer of hip replacement products. It shows the products they use for hip replacement procedures. They also have a link to request printed materials. You may get your answer that way. (You might consider contacting your surgeon's office, or perhaps you already have.)
http://www.zimmer.com/z/ctl/op/global/ac...
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