Hip Replacement

What is Hip Joint Replacement?

This is also called Hip Arthroplasty, which is an option when the hip joint pain deters performing the daily activities and also as a last option when other treatments does not work. 

Usually in a Hip Replacement surgery, the doctor removes the injured or damaged sections of the hip joint and replaces them with parts constructed from metal or hard plastic. This prosthesis will help reduce pain and improve functionality.

Hip Joint Replacement

When is it needed?

The hip problems that bring about the need for hip replacement surgery / Treatment are: 

• Osteoarthritis: wear and tear leads to damaging cartilage covering at ends of the hip bones that allows it to move smoothly. 
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: an inflammation that erodes bone and cartilage and deforms joints, due to the immune system. 
• Osteonecrosis: deficiency of blood supply to the ball of the hip joint causes bone to deform and collapse.

The doctors might recommend hip replacements for hip pain that:

• Prevails even with pain medications and physical therapy

• Limits everyday activities like walking, bending, getting up from a seated position, climbing stairs etc.
• Stays even while resting or sleeping even at night.
• Hinders the ability to move leg 

Pre-Procedural activities

• Patient will be prepared for the hip joint replacement surgery by taking blood tests, ECG or X-ray, for a safe surgery.
• Donation of blood prior to surgery is recommended, to be used if needed.
• Inform the doctor of the medications and supplements, you are presently taking. 
• Refrain from eating and drinking 6-12 hours prior to procedure.
• The doctor will decide on the hip implant, which consists of the ball component, made of strong metal or ceramic and the socket component, a durable cup-shape made of plastic, ceramic or metal with an outer metal shell.
• Prepare your home for adjustments to post-surgery life, as per doctor’s recommendations.

During Procedure

• Patient will be given anaesthetic before the surgery, which might be:
• Regional: Numbs the region below the waist.
• General: Puts patient to sleep
• The surgeon will begin by making incisions or cuts in the front side of the hip through layers of tissue.
• The diseased and damaged bone and cartilage is removed, leaving the healthy bone intact.
• The prosthetic socket is then implanted into the pelvic bone, replacing the damage socket.
• The round top of the femur is replaced with the prosthetic ball that is then attached to a stem that is fitted into the thighbone.

Post-Procedural Activities

• The patient usually can leave the same day itself for recovery after a couple of hours, after monitoring the vital statistics.
• The doctors will take the required measures to control any blood-clotting situation, pain and swelling.
• The doctor will provide training to the patient and the caretakers on how to handle things.
• Doctor will need to see you at a follow-up appointment after a few days.
• You might have to follow an exercise regimen, as instructed by the doctor or physical therapist.