What do you mean by hip replacement surgery?
In a hip replacement surgery, the doctor surgically detaches the painful hip joint that has arthritis and replaces it with an artificial joint. The joint is made from metal, polyethylene and ceramic components. The procedure is performed when all the other treatment options have failed to provide any kind of pain relief. Hence, hip replacement surgery is performed to have a painless life and make walking and doing other chores a lot easier.
In a complete hip replacement surgery, the head of the thigh bone is replaced completely and resurfaces the socket. This is often considered to be the gold standard for people who have arthritic conditions. Then there is partial hip replacement as well, where only the head of the thigh bone is replaced which is an ideal scenario for people who don’t have any underlying arthritic condition.
In addition to that, new hip which are performed with the latest technologies and modern implants often last for about 20-25 years.
Why do you need hip replacement surgery?
One of the most common reasons for hip replacement surgery is to get rid of the pain and inability to walk and instability that is caused by arthritis due to various reasons. This is when your cartilage has worn down over a period of time.
Some of the other common reasons to get this surgery are:
- Cracked or broken bone
- Arthritis -Osteo, Rheumatoid, due to systemic diseases.
- Bone diseases that include bone tumours
How to prepare yourself for the surgery?
First thing, you will meet the best orthopedic doctor in Bangalore for an examination. The surgeon does a detailed evaluation of your hip and other associated conditions such as:
- Your medical history and current medications (if any).
- Go through a blood test and an X-ray and further evaluation such as CT/MRI if required.
- Also, discuss the implants that will be suitable considering the age, bone quality and arthritic condition.
When you are going through the preoperative evaluation, this is a good time for you to ask as many questions as you want to ask regarding the procedure. Make sure to find out which medication you must avoid or continue to consume in the week prior to the surgery.
For instance, stop consuming tobacco and alcohol. This can interfere with healing. Furthermore, don’t visit a dentist for any dental work which includes teeth cleaning, at least two weeks before the surgery.
What to expect during the surgery?
Once you are admitted you go through detailed blood work up, you will be asked to have a shower with an antiseptic solution. You will have an anesthetic visit to your room and discuss with you which is the best suitable type of anesthesia.
After your surgery, your wound care is done, pain management with adequate physiotherapy and rehabilitation to put you back on your feet achieving independent mobility and discharge from the hospital with adequate instructions
What does the surgery involve
Replacing the ball and socket with suitable implants after balancing the hip joint to recreate the hip joint to as normal as possible
As this surgery requires a lot of precision, put your trust in the doctor at the best hip replacement hospital in Bangalore.
How long can recovery take?
Recovery can vary based on your age, overall health before the surgery, complications faced during the operation, etc. Physical therapy also plays a vital role in recovery as it helps build up strength in the muscles that will act as a support system to the new joint.
Average length of hospital stay is 3-4 days and average recovery time is 3-4weeks for complete healing
Then there are certain things that you must avoid during your recovery periods and they are- crossing your legs or lifting them. In addition, your physical therapist can review positions that can help prevent any kind of complication.
Conclusion
You can expect the new hip joint to reduce the pain significantly and increase the range of motion in the joint with painless walking . Hip activities such as running walking driving 4 wheeler or playing simple sports like golf, swim, or ride 2 wheeler comfortably.
Sexual activities can be done after complete healing and seeking adequate instructions from your surgeon.
