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Urgent
TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY – AN EFFECTIVE TREATMENT SOLUTION FOR AVASCULAR NECROSIS OF THE FEMORAL HEAD CAUSING PROLONGED PAIN
Female patient Y.K. (58 years old, South Korea) presented with dull hip pain lasting for many months. Throughout her time living and working in South Korea and Vietnam, the patient visited numerous medical facilities. Although she underwent multiple clinical assessments and hip X-rays, the results showed no abnormalities and no clear lesions were detected.
The patient had undergone medical treatment involving analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications combined with physical therapy; however, the pain did not improve and even progressively worsened, particularly at night. After enduring persistent pain for over 6 months, the patient sought an examination at the Department of Orthopedics at the American International Hospital (AIH).
In-depth examination and MRI imaging – A turning point in treatment
At AIH, Dr. Nguyen Viet Thinh (Specialist Level II) – Deputy Head of the Department of General Surgery at the American International Hospital (AIH) – conducted a thorough clinical examination and re-evaluated all previous X-ray films. Although the X-ray images showed no obvious lesions, based on clinical symptoms and the progression of the condition, the doctor suspected the patient was suffering from avascular necrosis of the femoral head. This is a pathology that is often difficult to detect in the early stages if relying solely on conventional X-rays.
Subsequently, the patient was indicated for an MRI of the hip joints. The results revealed bilateral necrosis of the femoral head with significant lesions, confirming that the disease had progressed to an advanced stage. As conservative treatment methods were no longer appropriate, thereby established the basis for the decision to proceed with hip arthroplasty.
Dr. Nguyen Viet Thinh (Specialist Level II) stated: “Avascular necrosis of the femoral head often progresses silently and is easily overlooked in the early stages if relying solely on X-rays or incomplete clinical examinations. If patients are diagnosed earlier using MRI, many cases can utilize conservative treatment methods or minimally invasive interventions, helping to delay or avoid the need for hip arthroplasty.”
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head - silent but dangerous
It occurs when the blood supply to the bone is disrupted, causing the bone to gradually weaken and die. Causes can include trauma, underlying medical conditions (such as diabetes, metabolic disorders, or atherosclerosis), abuse of alcohol and tobacco, or, in many cases, it remains idiopathic with no clearly identified cause.
In the early stages, the disease usually only causes mild pain, easily confused with common muscle strain or joint pain. When the pain appears at night and radiates down to the thigh or knee, the disease has often progressed severely, with a risk of femoral head collapse and loss of hip joint function.
Safe total hip arthroplasty at AIH
With severe lesions on both sides of the hip joint, after careful discussion, the doctor and patient agreed on a total hip arthroplasty plan.
To ensure safety and the best recovery, the patient underwent total hip arthroplasty on the left side first, which was the side causing more pain. After surgery, the patient recovered quickly, walking and performing daily activities almost normally after only a few weeks and was able to practice light exercises.
After 3 - 4 months, once the left hip had fully recovered, the patient returned to AIH for a total right hip arthroplasty surgery. Postoperative results indicated that the lengths of both legs were adjusted to near-absolute symmetry, the patient’s gait was natural, no dislocation complications, no prolonged pain.
At the American International Hospital (AIH), hip arthroplasty is implemented according to international standards, combining the deep expertise of the medical team with a system of modern equipment to bring optimal treatment effectiveness to patients. AIH utilizes high-end artificial hip joints that are strictly inspected and meet the quality standards of Europe and the United States; these possess a long lifespan, helping to minimize the risk of requiring revision surgery in the future.
In addition to the quality of materials, precise surgical techniques at AIH help minimize damage to the soft tissues surrounding the joint while effectively controlling common complications such as dislocation or postoperative leg length discrepancy. Post-operative pain management is prioritized through regional anesthesia and modern analgesic protocols, ensuring patients experience less pain, remain safe, and can begin ambulation early. Consequently, patients can stand and practice walking within just 24 hours if their condition is stable, shortening hospital stays and allowing a quick return to daily activities.
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head can be completely controlled and effectively treated if detected early. When experiencing signs of prolonged hip pain, nocturnal pain, or an abnormal gait, patients should not be subjective but instead seek a specialist examination and undergo X-rays or MRI when necessary.
To register for an examination and treatment with Dr. Nguyen Viet Thinh, Specialist Level II, please contact the hotline (028) 3910 9999 or inbox the Fanpage https://m.me/aih.com.vn.
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