<i>New hope for osteoarthritis patients</i>

Prof Dr. M Amjad Hossain is seeing patients at Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Photo: Dr. Tareq Salahuddin

Mr Faruquzzaman, a 61 years old gentleman, had been suffering from chronic hip pain for the last seven years. In the year 2000, he noticed pain in his left hip, particularly at the time of walking.
An active and dynamic man, Mr Faruquzzaman was involved in his daily activity and was a regular morning walker. As time past, he started limping and feeling more pain in his left hip and difficulty to wear his shoes and socks. At this time he decided to consult with a physician.
His physician diagnosed his case as an osteoarthritic hip and suggested him to consult with an Orthopaedician. Orthopaedician prescribed him some medication which did not relieve his pain. Then he went to a new doctor who recommended him for Total Hip Replacement (THR) as the next step but he does not know how to do THR.
He then went to Prof Dr M Amjad Hossain, a prominent orthopedic surgeon and former Professor and Head of Orthopedic and Trauma Surgery Department of Dhaka Medical College and Hospital. Prof Amjad performed total hip replacement meticulously. Preoperatively Mr Faruq was advised to perform abductor strengthening exercise. Total Hip Replacement consist of three parts:
1. Replacement of femoral head by metal prosthesis.
2 Replacement of acetabular cup by ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE); and
3. A metal Stem.
Post operatively Faruq spent about 8 days in hospital and then was released to his home.
After operation he used walker for some days. Gradually he started walking without the walker. Abductor strengthening exercise continuing postoperatively.
Faruq is so pleased with his THR that he says he will not hesitate to undergo surgery again if the other hip becomes arthritic. He is now encouraging other people with arthritic hip to perform surgery (THR).
Many people of our country have been suffering from chronic hip pain due to injury, AVN and other causes. No option except THR can alleviate their pain. Drug could only give them temporary relief.