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.

hip replacement surgery

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

  • The doctor will explain to the patient the procedure, benefits, and risks involved in the surgical procedure.
  • The doctor may prescribe some tests to ensure the patient's health condition is fine.
  • The patient needs to sign an informed consent.
  • The doctor may suggest stopping some medications before the surgical procedure.
  • 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is hip replacement surgery the best treatment for my hip joint pain?

Hip replacement surgery is the best treatment option available when no other treatment methods to provide relief from hip joint pain.

2. Will I be pain-free after surgery?

Usually, surgical pain is present after the surgery, but you will be relieved from hip joint pain. Patients can also walk the next day with pain relief medicines.

3. When can I resume my routine activities?

Generally, recovering process takes nearly three to six months. It depends on factors such as the overall health and the success of rehabilitation therapy.

4. How long does a hip implant last?

The hip implants last up to 10 to 25 years, depending on some factors like age and other health conditions.

5. What should I avoid to protect the implant?

Avoid aerobics, running, lifting heavy objects, and jumping from high heights. Avoid being overweight as it can quickly tear joints. Limit sitting or kneeling for a long time.

6. How painful is hip replacement surgery?

There can be some pain in the hip, pelvic, knee, and thighs. This is normal because your body is recovering/healing from a surgical procedure.

7. What is the fastest way to recover from hip surgery?

  • Take proper rest
  • Eat healthy foods to help speed up the recovery process
  • Pay attention to the diet and weight
  • Exercise to increase blood circulation
  • Physical therapy (physiotherapy)
  • 8. What you can’t do after a hip replacement?

    Patients with hip replacements should not bend hips or knees more than 90 degrees, cross the legs, avoid leg lifting, and perform high-impact activities.

    9. Who is eligible for hip replacement surgery?

    People suffering from the following conditions are eligible for hip replacement surgery -

  • Inflammatory arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Osteonecrosis
  • Hip Injury
  • Hip joint tumor
  • Developmental hip dysplasia
  • Childhood hip disorders
  • 10. What is the hip replacement surgery cost in India?

    The hip replacement surgery cost in India ranges between 3 to 5 lakhs, depending on various factors such as severity, type, age, place, etc.

    Citations

    https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/total-hip-replacement/
    https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/hip-replacement-surgery
    https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_hip-replacement.asp
    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/surgery/hip-replacement-surgery/
    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hip_replacement