Hip replacement surgery is a procedure in which a doctor surgically removes a painful hip joint with arthritis and replaces it with an artificial joint often made from metal and plastic components. It usually is done when all other treatment options have failed to provide adequate pain relief. The procedure should relieve a painful hip joint, making walking easier.
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint. The baFree Articlell is part of the femur (thigh bone) and the socket is part of the hip bone/pelvic bone. The type of hip replacement surgery performed varies with each individual’s physical condition. The 2 types of hip replacement surgeries are:
With Total Hip Arthroplasty, the ball and the socket are both replaced with artificial parts. Total Hip Arthroplasty is performed to treat conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis.
With Hemiarthroplasty, or Partial Hip Replacement, only the ball is replaced. Hemiarthroplasty is performed when there is damage only to the femoral portion of the hip joint. This is mostly performed in patients who are elderly and frail, and for fractures involving the ball or the neck of the femur (thigh bone).
Hip Replacement Surgery can be performed traditionally or by using what is considered a minimally-invasive technique. The main difference between the two procedures is the size of the incision.
During standard hip replacement surgery, you are given general anesthesia to relax your muscles and put you into a temporary deep sleep. This will prevent you from feeling any pain during the surgery or have any awareness of the procedure. A spinal anesthetic may be given to help prevent pain as an alternative.
The doctor will then make a cut along the side of the hip and move the muscles connected to the top of the thighbone to expose the hip joint. Next, the ball portion of the joint is removed by cutting the thighbone with a saw. Then an artificial joint is attached to the thighbone using either cement or a special material that allows the remaining bone to attach to the new joint.
The doctor then prepares the surface of the hipbone -- removing any damaged cartilage -- and attaches the replacement socket part to the hipbone. The new ball part of the thighbone is then inserted into the socket part of the hip. A drain may be put in to help drain any fluid. The doctor then reattaches the muscles and closes the incision.
While most Hip Replacement Surgeries today are performed using the standard technique (one 8 to 10 inch cut along the side of the hip), in recent years, some doctors have been using a minimally-invasive technique. In the minimally-invasive approach, doctors make one to two cuts from 2 to 5 inches long. The same procedure is performed through these small cuts as with standard hip replacement surgery.
The small cuts are thought to lessen blood loss, ease pain following surgery, shorten hospital stays, reduce scar appearance, and speed healing.
After Total Hip Replacement surgery, you will experience stiffness in the hip and leg, and muscle weakness. Post-surgical pain is expected for an average of 4 to 6 weeks. However, some patients may experience pain for up to 12 weeks, or even longer.
Pain is managed primarily with medication. Your physical therapist may also recommend ice packs to help reduce discomfort.
It may be difficult to put weight on your leg when walking after surgery. Depending on your particular case/surgical procedure, you will be asked to limit the amount of weight you put on the surgical leg. It may be as little as a toe touch, or as much weight bearing as you can tolerate. Your physical therapist will teach you how to correctly put weight on the affected leg, and will recommend an assistive device, such as crutches or a walker to minimize discomfort as you work to restore your physical function.
There are a few simple measures that you can take to make life easier when you return home after hip replacement surgery, including:
You should ask your doctor before returning to such activities as driving, sexual activity, and exercise.
Hip Replacement Surgery is usually very successful, but the success of the procedure is partly due to the rehabilitation period that follows the surgery. For patients to expect a good result from hip replacement surgery, they must be an active rehab participant.
Rehabilitation after hip replacement begins immediately. Patients will work with a physical therapist as soon as the surgical procedure has been performed. The emphasis in the early stages of rehab is to maintain motion of the hip replacement and to ensure that the patient can walk safely. A physical therapist can teach you important skills that help you move around, climbs stairs, getting in and out of the car, without risk to be replaced if joint or causing significant pain.
As rehabilitation moves along to later phases, your therapist will help restore normal gait mechanics, strength of the lower extremities, and mobility of your new hip joint. By participating in an active therapeutic recovery, bilateral kidney resume your presurgical level of activity, you may even be able to surpass that level of activity.
Hip replacement surgery, also known as Hip Arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the damaged parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with artificial joint components. The goal of the surgery is to reduce pain and improve mobility in the hip.
Hip replacement surgery may be recommended for people who have severe hip pain and disability due to Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or other conditions that have damaged the joint. The surgery is typically recommended for people who have tried other treatments, such as medications and physical therapy, and have not found relief.
Hip replacement surgery is typically performed under general Anesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision in the skin over the hip and then remove the damaged bone and cartilage from the joint. The artificial joint components are then attached to the remaining bone using special cement or a press-fit method. The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a dressing is applied.
Recovery after Hip Replacement Surgery can take several weeks to several months, depending on the person’s age, overall health, and the severity of their condition. Physical therapy is typically recommended after surgery to help strengthen the muscles around the hip and improve mobility. Most people are able to return to their normal activities, including work and leisure activities, within a few months of surgery.
As with any surgery, there are risks and potential complications associated with hip replacement surgery. These may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel damage, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with you before the procedure, and you can ask any questions you may have.
Saroj Fracture & Orthopaedic Clinic
A-714, opp. Madipur, Pocket 2, Paschim Puri, jheel park, New Delhi, 110063
Dr Naresh Agarwal is is a Orthopedist & Joint Replacement Surgeon who has an experience of 15+ years in this field. he is committed towards providing General Orthopedic Care, Sports Medicine, Bone Health, and Joint Replacement.
