Is Hip Replacement Possible When In Suffering From Cancer?

Posted on Mon, 21 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 21 Apr 2014 Answered on

Mon, 12 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : i had multiple myloma/plasma cell leukemia, have been in remission for 7 years. i have a hip problem, and analyses indicates possible replacement. i am on zometa infusion every 3 months . is hip replacement going to be a problem? my 2 doctors have different opinions...1 says ok to go, the other is hesitant to say ok. what is your opinion?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Bone mineral density test holds the key Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing After going through you suffering, the main concern for any joint replacement surgeon is the strength of bone whether it will be able to hold the Implant or not. If the bone is osteoporotic and not able to hold the implant it may result in untimely loosening of implant. My advice would be go for bone mineral density test (BMD by DEXA scan) to evaluate the bone strength prior to surgery. In my opinion, if required and hip pain is too much then you may go for hip replacement because- 1. Multiple myeloma under remission for 7 years. 2. You are on zoledronic (zometa infusion) which stops bone resorption activity. Take care and I shall be glad to answer any further query. Regards Dr.chugh, Orthopaedic surgeon Virtual clinic http://bit.ly/drmchugh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Mukesh Chugh (5 hours later)

the problem may not be hip joint itself...one answer i got was spurs were more of the culprit than total hip. is there a problem with having spurs surgically removed? what would be the best option for removing the spurs?

Answered by Dr. Mukesh Chugh (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: Reamer helps in removal of spur;send x ray picture Detailed Answer: Hi It’s good to see you After going through your query, the spur /osteophytes are basically the hard bony growth usually present in arthritis at any joint in body be at hip or knee. These are removed with power reamers and it is a routine procedure in hip replacement surgery. If there removal leads to bone loss it may be corrected by bone graft harvested from patient’s own bone, removed in surgery mostly from removed head of femur. You may send the x ray picture in the follow up query. I hope this helps. If you have further query I shall be glad to answer Take care Regards Dr.chugh, Orthopaedic surgeon Virtual clinic http://bit.ly/drmchugh

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad