The hip joint is plays a functional role in weight carriage and articulation of the upper half of the body with the lower limbs. Injury, weight gain, old age and certain pathological conditions like avascular necrosis, osteoporosis and arthritis (osteoarthritis/ rheumatoid) can hinder the normal functioning of the hip joint resulting in stiffness, tenderness, pain and restricted mobility. If you are experiencing trouble in walking, bending and doing other daily activities and medications and help of walkers are not much of use, hip replacement surgery could be considered as one of the treatment modalities.
Hip replacement surgery is a safe and effective procedure that has been performed for over more than 4 decades and advances in the surgical techniques and medical science have led to remarkable increase in success rates of hip replacements.
Before understanding the procedure of hip replacement, one should be well aware of the normal anatomy and functioning of the hip joint. The hip joint is a ball and socket type of joint which is formed between the thigh bone and the hip bone. It is one of the strongest and firm fitted joints of the human body which could be inflamed or diseased due to certain joint ailments like arthritis, Trochanteric Bursitis, Tendonitis, Osteonecrosis, Lumbar Pain, Snapping Hip Syndrome, Muscle Strains, Hip Fracture, and Stress Fracture.
What is a hip joint ?
The hip joint is a ball and socket type of joint formed by two bones the femur and the acetabulum of pelvis. The surfaces of the bones are covered by an articular cartilage that serves as a cushion for the bones of the joint. The synovial membrane covers the hip joint and permits smooth movement. Ligaments on the other hand provide stability to the joint.
The hip joint is plays a functional role in weight carriage and articulation of the upper half of the body with the lower limbs. Important activities like walking, bending, and sitting are dependent on the appropriate functioning of the hip joint.
When the hip joint is diseased or is injured one is restricted from performing routine activities, the patient experiences difficulty in walking, pain and discomfort while bending which is also associated with stiffness of the joint.
What are the causes of chronic hip pain and discomfort ?
The hip joint is one of the most used and functional joints of the body. Old age, excess weight, fracture and arthritis (inflammation of the joint space) are the primary causes of chronic hip pain. Increasing age and obesity increase the wear and tear of the joint thereby reducing the range of motion and leading to pain, stiffness and discomfort of the joint. Arthritis on the contrary is related to the inflammation of the joint space which could be encountered even in younger age group. Arthritis is a group of inflammatory diseases of the body. More than 100 types of arthritis are reported in literature but the ones most commonly affecting the hip are either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is attributed to be an outcome of wear and tear of the joints and is usually reported in the older age group; Rheumatoid arthritis on the other hand is considered to be an auto immune disease and is also referred to as inflammatory arthritis.
Symptomatic treatment of hip joint pain is medication and physical therapy to relive the discomfort, walkers to aid in walking but if these do not provide adequate relief one should consult with an orthopedic surgeon or a rheumatologist to get evaluated for a hip replacement procedure.
What is hip replacement surgery ?
A hip replacement surgery is a major surgical procedure where in a part (hemi) or the complete (total) hip joint is replaced by an artificial joint.
When do you have to consider hip replacement surgery as a treatment option for you ?
You could be a suitable candidate for a hip joint replacement when you have difficulty in walking, bending, climbing stairs and doing daily activities or if the hip pain is not relieved with the change in pain medications, physical therapy, and exercise. It is considered as the go to option after other treatments have not succeeded. If you are experiencing difficulty in walking, bending and doing daily activities, if your hip pain is not comforted with the change in pain medications, physical therapy and exercise, you could be a potential candidate for a hip replacement. The decision of getting a hip replacement should be made by proper consultation with an orthopedic surgeon who would conduct a thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation including X-rays, CT and MRI scans to know the status of the joint and suggest an appropriate treatment.
Will I be sleeping during the hip replacement surgery ?
Hip replacement surgery is performed under the influence of general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia, with or without sedation.
What does the hip replacement surgery involve ?
Hip replacement surgery is also referred as hip arthroplasty. During hip replacement surgery, the surgeon exposes the hip joint and reshapes the hip bone by removing any damaged cartilage or damaged part of the thigh bone which is in turn replaced by an artificial implant to permit the joint movement. Hip replacement surgery can categorized as as follows.
- Partial Hip Replacement
- Total Hip Replacement
- Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement
In a partial hip replacement surgery, a part of the hip joint either the femoral head or a part of the acetabulum is replaced and resurfaced where as in a total hip replacement more areas of the hip bones are reamed, reshaped and replaced by artificial implants. Occasionally cements and screws are also used to hold the implants stable in their positions. The total hip replacement does not mean the replacement of the entire joint with the artificial implants.
In a standard hip replacement surgery, an incision of around 8-11 inches is made to expose the joint whereas in minimally invasive procedure the size of the incision is reduced to 4-6 inches. The minimally invasive procedure is indicated only when the joint damage is minimal and requires skilled surgeons who are trained in minimal invasive surgeries. The minimally invasive procedures usually reduce the length of hospital stay post-operatively and recovery is quicker.
The hip replacement surgery is carried out under spinal anesthesia or general anesthesia. The length of the procedure depends on the severity of the joint damage and the type of procedure.
Hip replacement surgery can also be divided as follows.
- Cemented Total Hip Replacement
- Uncemented Total Hip Replacement
There are many different types of designs and materials are currently used in artificial hip joints. Artificial hip joints are made of two crucial components: on one side, the ball component (made of highly polished strong metal or ceramic material) and on the other side, socket component (a durable cup of plastic, ceramic or metal, which may have an outer metal shell). Your orthopedic surgeon will select the prosthesis that best suits your health needs.
How long will I take to get back on my feet ?
Most probably, the surgery will require you to continue in bed in the recovery room on the day of your surgery. You will require this to recover from anesthesia as well as the effects of surgery. However, from the next morning itself you can attempt to get up, be seated in a chair or semi-recliner and should be able to walk with a walker or crutches within a few days. The recovery depends on the type of hip replacement. Most patients that receive a partial hip replacement will be able to be mobile in the hallways on the very next day itself.
Is my age going to affect the hip replacement surgery ?
Age is an important consideration, though it is not a problem. If you are in satisfactory health otherwise and have the wish to continue an active, productive then it is a good choice for you. You should check with your personal or orthopedic physician for his/her opinion.
How long do I have to stay in the hospital after hip replacement surgery ?
Most hip surgery patients will be in the hospital for 4 to 6 days following a total hip replacement. This will be assessed if you can reach several goals before you are discharged. Ultimately, the doctors will decide, based on if you are having a safe recovery. This time can vary with each patient.
What are the complications of hip replacement surgery ?
Blood clots, Infection, Fracture or Dislocation of the new joint, Change in leg length or a Loosening of the new joint may occur. However, the surgeons and doctors will do their best to prevent any of these complications.
What is the success rate of hip replacement surgery ?
Hip replacement surgery is being performed lately with increased technological advances and has greatly relieved individuals from hip joint pain, restricted mobility, and discomfort. With your new hip joint, you should feel less pain than before your surgery with increased range of movement in your joint. However, you still need to avoid high-impact activities like running, skipping or playing contact sports. These may create stress on your artificial joint. Definitely, in time, you can go swimming, playing golf, hiking or riding a bike with ease. Your implanted artificial hip joint should last you successfully for upto 15- 20 years.
How long will I take to recover after the hip replacement surgery ?
After six to twelve weeks after surgery, you will be scheduled on a follow-up appointment with your surgeon to ensure your hip is healing adequately and properly. Based on your recovery, mostly you’ll be able to continue your normal activities by this time — even if in a restricted fashion. As days pass, recovery will improve with gradual increase in strength within 6 to 12 months.
What care do I have to take after the hip replacement surgery ?
The hip replacement surgery definitely would entail a dedicated change in lifestyle and rehabilitative exercises to aid in the artificial joint movement. The height of the toilet will have to be increased to your hip level so you don’t have to bend low to sit on it. Items needed in daily life should be placed above the hip level for the first few weeks after surgery.
You will need physiotherapy or physical therapy in your home for the initial three weeks after the hip replacement surgery. Then once you are recovered, you can continue physiotherapy at your hospital for another three weeks. The length of time necessary for physiotherapy varies with each patient and your doctor will make your schedule accordingly.
After the procedure the patient is usually kept under medical observation and physical therapy and exercises are initiated. Followed by a hip replacement surgery, the patients are asked to continue physical therapy and exercise for at least 4-6 weeks to initiate movement of the joint. Post-surgically the patients should not try bending for more than 90º and should not practice running and lifting heavy weights as it may lead to dislocation of the implant and post surgical complications. With appropriate physical therapy weight modulation is also essential as it may increase the wear and tear of the implant thereby reducing its permanence.
Hip replacements have been performed for over than 3-4 decades and advances in the surgical procedure and the quality of implants have helped many patients affected with chronic hip pain across the globe. Appropriate physical therapy and weight management play a crucial role in the success of a hip replacement. Hip replacements help in giving relief from chronic hip joint pain and joint stiffness causing discomfort. The main outcome of a hip replacement is improved the ambulation of the hip joint and relief from any stiffness, pain and improve the quality of life.
How to find and reach orthopedic surgeons for hip replacement surgery ?
Now you can find and reach orthopedic surgeons for hip replacement surgery from different hospitals and destinations on a single platform, Hinfoways. You can avail opinions and information from multiple orthopedic surgeons, get cost estimates for hip replacement surgery from different hospitals, compare things and then choose an orthopedic surgeon for hip replacement surgery.
Find, reach and choose an orthopedic surgeon for hip replacement surgery on Hinfoways. Make an informed choice.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
