Things One Needs to Know About Hip Replacement Surgery

Summary – Hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the diseased cartilage and bone of the hip are replaced with a artificial prosthesis. This article discusses the few things to know before opting for a hip replacement.

The hip is highly susceptible to wear and tear, being the largest ball and socket joint in the body. A total hip replacement surgery may be prescribed by the orthopaedic, when a patient suffers from severe pain, swelling and stiffness along with reduced mobility. Here are a few things one must know about Hip replacement surgery,

1. 1. Hip replacement is a common procedure

Total Hip Arthroplasty, also known as a hip replacement is a very common procedure, performed almost as regularly as a knee replacement surgery.

Owing to the advancement in surgical techniques total hip replacement surgery has been revolutionised. This encourages more and more patients to consider the surgical alternate sooner in an attempt to regain mobility and quality of life. Surgeons have begun performing hip replacement using a minimally invasive technique thus making smaller incisions to reduce the recovery time over traditional hip replacement.

1. 1. Hip replacement involves Prosthesis

Total Hip replacement is a surgical practice, wherein the diseased or damaged part of the hip joint is removed and replaced with an artificial part, known as a prosthesis.

The prosthesis used can be of different material such as plastic, metal or ceramic, or combinations of the materials such as metal-on-plastic, ceramic-on-plastic, or metal-on-metal.

1. 1. A Prosthesis is secured using two methods

The artificial Prosthesis is fixed in its place by using two techniques, cemented and uncemented

1. 1. • cemented - The prosthesis is secured to the healthy bone by the means of acrylic cement.
      • uncemented – The prosthesis is specially treated to encourage the growth of the healthy bone to hold them into place. This method is more commonly used for younger, more active patients.
   2. Hip replacement is not only for old people

Any candidate having a hip joint damage or disease which causes persistent pain, swelling and reduced mobility is a candidate for hip replacement surgery.

1. 1. Most common reasons for hip replacement surgery
      • Osteoarthritis – When the cartilage inside a hip joint is worn out, causing the bones to rub against each other.
      • Rheumatoid Arthritis- The autoimmune condition in which the body mistakenly attacks the inner lining of the joint causing pain, stiffness and swelling.
      • Fracture - A severely damaged hip joint owing to an injury can require one to undergo a hip replacement surgery.
   2. Hip replacement has many benefits

The surgery aims to at reducing the symptoms faced by patients, such as reduced mobility, relieve pain and improve the quality of your life. Hip replacement can have life-changing effects for many people.

1. 1. The risk of complications is low

The risk of complications during a hip replacement surgery is low, at an estimated ratio of 1 to 100. The usual risks include deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism or post-op infection. The most common complication includes malfunction of the joint, such as loosening, dislocation, wear and tear, joint stiffening. =

1. 1. A hip replacement prosthesis does not last forever

A hip joint prosthesis is designed to last for at least 15 years. However, the use and abuse of a hip joint can make it wear out or damage before time. This may require one to have a hip revision surgery to repair the damage.

1. 1. One needs Care after hip replacement surgery

Patients are free to go home in 4 to 7 days after the operation. The surgeon or physiotherapist will prepare a regime with exercises that help regain and improve the use of the hip joint. Most people resume normalcy within 2 to 3 months however some may need a full year of complete recovery and experience the full benefits of your new hip.

1. 1. Regaining Work is recommended

Contrary to belief regaining regular work after hip replacement can help greatly in increasing the mobility, and getting used to the artificial joint. However, people with strenuous work involving heavy lifting are recommended a break for 6 weeks before regaining the same.