Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery or hip arthroplasty surgery is done by an orthopedic surgeon who takes out the damaged portions of the hip joint with parts generally constructed of metal, ceramic, and very hard plastic. This surgery helps to relieve a painful hip joint and facilitates certain physical activities such as walking, swimming, playing golf, or riding a bike. However, high-impact activities are not recommended, like running or playing basketball.
Need for Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery is opted to get relief from severe hip pain or treat any disability in the hip joint. Osteoarthritis is a common condition that needs hip joint replacement. It is also performed to get relief from discomfort, inflammation, and pain due to damage of the hip joint.
This surgery is recommended in the following conditions -
- Osteoarthritis
- Inflammatory arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis
- Osteonecrosis
- Injury - hip fracture, dislocation after a fall
- Hip joint tumour
- Developmental hip dysplasia
- Childhood hip disorders
Types of Hip Replacement Surgeries:
The three main types of hip arthroplasty are:
- Total hip replacement
- Partial hip replacement
- Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing
Total Hip Replacement
A total hip replacement or total hip arthroplasty is a regular type of hip replacement surgery in which the damaged or diseased hip sections are changed with artificial implants (prosthetic implants). The socket (acetabulum) is replaced with a cup-shaped implant. The femoral head component, a metal ball replaces the femur head.
Partial Hip replacement Surgery
A partial hip replacement or hip hemiarthroplasty, repairs the femoral head of the hip joint with an artificial implant. It does not replace the hip socket. This surgery is mainly done to repair certain types of hip fractures.
Metal-on-metal hip resurfacing
The impaired bone surface inside the hip joint are removed and replaced with a metal implant. This procedure removes less bone. However, it is typically performed only on men who are physically active and have more bone density.
When compared to a traditional hip replacement, people who undergo this procedure have a lower chance of dislocation.
Hip Replacement Surgery Procedure
Preparing for surgery
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The doctor will explain to the patient the procedure, benefits, and risks involved in the surgical procedure.
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The doctor may prescribe some tests to ensure the patient's health condition is fine.
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The patient needs to sign an informed consent.
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The doctor may suggest stopping some medications before the surgical procedure.
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The patient should avoid eating for atleast 6-8 hours before the surgery.
Surgical Process
Firstly, the patient is taken to the operating room and injected anesthesia. The anesthesia will make the patient sleep throughout the surgery. Then an incision is made into the patient’s hip joint and the doctor performs the surgery. After surgery, the surgical incision is closed with a suture.
Post-surgery Care
Once the surgery is completed, the patient is brought to the post-op care unit. Here, the patient’s condition is monitored closely along with pain killer medicines. The patient may have a catheter (small tube) in the bladder and a drain in the hip. To keep the new joint stable, a foam wedge or pillows may be placed between the legs. Later, the patient will be moved to a recovery room and kept under observation for a few more days.
Benefits of Hip Replacement Surgery
- Relief from hip joint pain
- Increases leg strength
- Improves the quality of life
- Long-lasting effect
There may be other risks factors depending on other health conditions. If any concerns then dscuss with the doctor before the surgical procedure.
Risk Factors for Hip Replacement Surgery
Generally, complications are observed in any surgical procedure. Some possible complications in hip replacement surgery may include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Dislocation
- Need for additional hip surgery
- Nerve injury resulting in weakness or numbness
There may be other risks factors depending on other health conditions. If any concerns then dscuss with the doctor before the surgical procedure.
Exercises for Hip Replacement Patients
Lying down exercises Glut exercise, Quad exercise, Heel slide, Hip abduction, Short arc quad exercise, External hip rotation, Bridging and stomach exercises
Standing Exercises - Hip Flexion, Standing hip abduction, Hip extension, Heel to buttock exercise, Mini squat, and Hip hitch
*Note - Remember these points BEFORE doing any exercise:
- Don’t twist the body while sitting or standing.
- Don’t bend the hips past 90 degrees (a right angle).
- Don’t cross your legs or feet.
- Don’t roll the knees or toes inwards.