One of the largest joints in the body, the hip is a ball and socket type joint like the shoulder joint. A number of conditions like Osteoarthritis , Rheumatoid arthritis and Avascular necrosis can cause irreversible damage to the hip joint.
Hip replacement is a surgical procedure where the affected hip joint is replaced with an artificial hip joint. This artificial hip joint is constructed from plastic and metal components. This surgery is used as a last resort only after other treatment methods like oral medications and physiotherapy have not produced the desired results. It can also be recommended if the affected hip joint interferes with your daily activities. The most common reason for people opting to have their hips replaced is Osteoarthritis.
Before a hip replacement surgery, an orthopaedic evaluation of the patient is carried out by the surgeon. The evaluation may include a medical history examination, a physical exam, an X-ray test and an MRI test. The surgeon will go through your evaluation results and advise you regarding the surgery. Once you decide to go through with the surgery then the next step is to get prepared for it.
Following hip replacement symptoms should not be ignored as they are the signs that you need a surgery:
The first step is the administration of anaesthesia. A member of the anesthesia team will evaluate you and recommend the type of anaesthesia that you need. Usually, general anaesthesia is administered to put you in a temporary state of sleep.
The procedure begins with the surgeon making an incision through the side or front portion of the hip to shift the hip muscles and expose the joint. The thighbone is then cut with a saw to remove the ball part of the joint. The artificial joint is then fixed to the thighbone with cement.
The surgeon then removes damaged cartilage from the hipbone and fixes the replacement socket on the hipbone. The last step involves insertion of the new ball into the hip socket. A drain may also be attached to keep the fluid from accumulating. The muscles are then reattached and the incision is closed by the surgeon.
Once the surgery is completed, you will then be taken to a recovery area till the effects of the anaesthesia wear off. You vital signs will be monitored on a continuous basis and the necessary medications will be administered.
Hip Replacement is a significant surgery. It is normally advised by the doctors when other treatments including physiotherapy or steroid injections fail to relieve pain or improve mobility.
Following are the causes and conditions when doctors suggest Hip Replacement surgery:
Summary: Hip Replacement is major surgery. When medicines and injections fail to improve one’s mobility, then doctors suggest Hip Replacement surgery.
Hip replacement surgery is recommended in the following cases:
The majority of Hip Replacements are done on individuals between the ages of 60 and 80, however, having surgery at any age is not a contraindication. It is very rare that Hip Replacement surgery is performed on patients in their teens and early twenties.
Summary: The average age for Hip Replacement is between 60-80. There are very few cases that this surgery has been performed on people in their younger age.
Hip replacement surgery is not recommended if:
Hip replacement has side effects, they are:
There are quite a few complications associated with hip replacement. Some of the hip replacement complications that are observed in almost every patient during the surgical procedure are as follows:
The post treatment guidelines for hip replacement are:
Post Hip Replacement surgery, doctors will recommend you to use the raised toilet seat. The raised toilet seat can be installed on your toilet at home. While seated on the seat, this will make sure that your knees are not higher than your hips. Keep other things in mind as well, such as drinking plenty of fluids, more specifically water. This will prevent constipation.
Eat lots of fiber-rich food, vegetables, and beans. If required, don’t hesitate to use a stool softener. Also, keep in mind that there is no hard and fast rule about how many bowel movements you should have per day.
Summary: Raised toilet seats are recommended for patients who have recently undergone Hip Replacement surgery. This will ensure the proper level of your knees and hips. Besides, there are other important things to consider after Hip Replacement surgery such as drinking plenty of fluids, eating fiber-rich food, etc.
Summary: There are certain things that you must avoid after Hip Replacement like crossing legs, leaning forward, bending, and twisting.
The recovery period for hip replacement generally ranges between 2 to 6 months. The recovery period varies from patient to patient and is also dependent on external factors like post-surgical care.
The cost of a hip replacement surgery in India varies from Rs 199,948 to Rs 1,054,207. The average price is Rs 474,429.
The replaced hip joints usually last for 10-20 years, provided you take proper care of it. In case of damage to the new joint, surgery is required to repair it.
Here are some of the measures to prevent hip replacement surgery:
At the initial stage, try to walk for not more than 10 minutes. You can continue walking up to 3 or 4 times a day. When your strength and stamina improve, you can extend the duration of your walk and keep it up to 30 minutes 2 or 3 times a day. After completing your recovery, start going for regular walks of 30 minutes. This will maintain the strength of your hips.
Summary: One can walk for not more than 10 minutes at the initial stage of Hip Replacement. Increase the duration of the walk when you see an improvement in your condition.
Yes, Hip Replacement surgery can’t stop you from leading a normal life. The only thing you have to ensure is good care post Hip Replacement surgery. Researchers of Washington University at Barnes-Jewish Hospital have revealed that patients who recovered after Hip Replacement surgery are living a normal life, doing their regular tasks, and performing fair enough during sex, too.
The alternatives to hip replacement surgery are:
Summary: Hip Replacement surgery, commonly known as hip arthroplasty, is a surgical treatment for treating hip pain. Artificial implants are used to replace components of the hip joint. This surgery is usually performed on people aged between 60 to 80. It is a significant surgery that requires certain precautionary measures. One can perfectly lead a normal life post Hip Replacement surgery.