Hip replacement surgery is also known as hip arthroplasty. It is a surgical procedure where a painful hip joint is removed as well as the worn-out bone and cartilage with an artificial joint (implant). The replacement joint is usually made from metal, ceramic, and hard plastic. The hip joint consists of a ball (at the top of the femur, also called the thigh bone) and a socket (in the pelvis). Hip replacement surgery included replacement of one or both the parts. The goal of this surgery is to allow an individual to resume daily activities with less pain.

CAUSES FOR UNDERGOING HIP REPLACEMENT

Hip replacement surgery is usually done when all other treatment options have failed to relieve pain. The new hip joint should help relieve pain and make ambulation easier.

• Arthritis- this is the most common cause of hip pain due to which most of the people seek for hip replacement surgery. There many types of arthritis that can affect the hip :
• Osteoarthritis- also called wear and tear kind of arthritis that destroys the cartilage on the ends of bones.
• Rheumatoid arthritis- an auto immune disease that attacks the lining of joints.
• Osteonecrosis- it is a painful condition that occurs when the blood flow to the hip joint is restricted or blocked. Osteonecrosis often targets the hip joint that leads to hip fractures or dislocations.
• Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAI/ hip impingement)- is a condition in which the hip joint is abnormally shaped , which causes two bones to rub that arises pain
• Hip dysplasia- this could lead to dislocation. It occurs when the femur doesn’t correctly fits into the socket.
• Benign tumours
• Perthes disease- a rare childhood disease that occurs when the blood supply is temporarily cut off to the ball part of the hip joint.

TYPES OF HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY

• Total hip replacement- in this surgery the entire hip joint is replaced with a hip implant.
• Partial hip replacement- unlike a total hip replacement , this procedure doesn’t replace the socket of the hip joint
• Hip revision surgery- it is sometimes called as repeat hip replacement. It involves replacing the artificial hip joint if it has become loose, infected or worn out.

 

DIAGNOSIS

There are several tests before performing a hip replacement. These may include-

• Hip x rays
• Blood tests
• Urinalysis
• MRI/ CT Scan
• Electrocardiogram

RECOVERY TIME-

Recovery time for hip replacement surgery varies from person to person.  This depends on following the surgeons instructions on home care during initial weeks, drinking plenty of water/ fluids and balanced diet to support body healing and regaining muscle strength. Physical therapy is essential part of the recovery from hip replacement. This may start as early as24 hours after surgery, where the physical therapist teaches exercises that strengthen and stretch the muscles around the new hip joint. Gradually, one will return to activities like walking, bending, climbing stairs. Usually most people do well 3 months after surgery.

ACTIVITIES TO AVOID AFTER SURGERY

Around 6-12 months after the hip replacement surgery avoid pivoting or twisting legs.  Initial weeks of recovery one shouldn’t-

• Cross the involved leg past midline of body
• Turn the involved leg inward
• Bend at hip past 90 degrees- that included squatting

LONG TERM CARE-

This includes-

• Maintain healthy weight
• Avoid playing high impact sports
• Exercise regularly to maintain strength and mobility (walking, swimming)
• Be careful to avoid falls and injuries

 

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR

When your quality of life suffers due to hip pain, that affects your sleep, doing simple tasks like climbing stairs one should consult a doctor. Gujarat Kidney Hospital is one of the best hospital in Vadodara.