SHARJAH: The University Hospital Sharjah (UHS) has announced that it is now offering total hip replacement surgery, one of the most common orthopedic surgeries being performed in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to meet the needs of patients within the emirate of Sharjah, as well as other parts of the country. The new patient care service is led by a consultant orthopedic surgeon from South Korea, Dr. Hong Suk Kwak at the Himchan – UHS Joint and Spine Center.
As one in five people in the UAE or 20 per cent of the population suffer from moderate joint conditions, having a highly experienced surgeon and specialist enables the hospital to provide the specialty within its premises and address the increasing demand for treatment and surgery. As South Korea has a high number of patients suffering from hip joint diseases such as deformation and arthritis, specialists in the field have emerged in the country over the years. Dr. Kwak is a highly experienced surgeon who specializes in pelvis and hip surgeries and is trained at Seoul National University Hospital.
Dr. Kwak said: “When having any pain or discomfort in the area, it must not be ignored and seeing a physician is necessary as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis at an early stage. Before conducting any surgery, all factors affecting the condition of the patient such as age and activity level are considered so we can match the most ideal prosthetic material that will bring the expected outcome. In hip joint replacement surgery, an artificial joint or prosthesis made of metal, plastic, and ceramic will be implanted in the body and will remain throughout its lifespan.”
Dr. Ali Obaid Al Ali, UHS Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Trustees, commented: “The University Hospital Sharjah continuously works to provide the best facilities and medical experts that would contribute to the country’s vision of enhancing the quality of life through advanced healthcare. Hosting world-class consultants and surgeons at the Himchan – UHS Joint and Spine Center is testament to our commitment to provide quality patient care in the UAE. Apart from providing joint treatments, the doctors thoroughly assess the condition of patients young and old and manage the whole body’s needs, but especially aged patients who need extra care as they easily develop hip joint fractures.”
The UHS educates patients and individuals on the importance of taking care of their hip joints and that for conditions such as early stage arthritis symptoms, the pain can be treated with medications and injections. Regular appropriate exercises are also necessary to strengthen the surrounding muscles and soft tissues around the joint to relieve pressure on the hip joint. These non-surgical treatments slowdown the progress of arthritis, however, if conditions worsen and disables the patient to conduct daily activities, then total hip replacement surgery is advised by physicians.
Hip replacement surgery is also applied to fractures which happen in some elderly patients. In some cases, due to the severity of the fracture, surgeons advise for partial hip joint replacement.
Keeping the hip joint in a healthy state is important for the body as it provides stability and the ability to move the body in balance. The hip joint has three main parts composed of the acetabulum, a c-shaped socket, and a ball-like femoral head slightly bigger than a golf ball. The inner surface of the acetabulum and the outer surface of the femoral head are covered with articular cartilage, enabling the ball and the socket joint to move freely and steadily in various angles.
Hip joint pain in the Arab region is often attributed to sitting cross-legged on the floor which is commonly practiced as part of the social culture. However, aging and joint deformation are also common reasons for the high prevalence in hip joint problems.
