Hip replacement surgery has become increasingly common in recent years. As advances in medical technology have made it safer and more effective than ever before.
Even so, this major surgery is still not without risk, and it can be very dangerous if you aren’t prepared in advance to deal with the various issues that can arise during recovery.
The following guide will tell you everything you need to know about hip replacement, from preparing yourself mentally and physically to recovering at home once the surgery has been completed.
What is hip replacement surgery
Hip replacement surgery is a procedure that replaces the natural hip joint with an artificial ball and socket. This surgery can relieve chronic pain from arthritis, give you more mobility, and improve your quality of life.
Hip replacement surgery involves removing the diseased or damaged parts of the hip joint and replacing them with prosthetic components made of metal alloys, ceramics, or polymers.
Why do people get hip replacements?
People get hip replacements for a number of reasons, including arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, or post-traumatic arthritis. These can cause cartilage in the joint to breakdown, resulting in pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving around.
- Arthritis: Arthritis is the most common cause of hip replacement. The cartilage between the bones in your joint may be worn away by overuse or injury, causing pain, stiffness, and movement problems. Arthritis can also cause a buildup of bone spurs.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a progressive disease that can cause stiffness, pain and loss of mobility in the joints. The hip joint is one of the joints where osteoarthritis usually occurs. Hip replacement surgery involves removing the arthritic parts of the hip joint and replacing them with artificial components.
- Avascular necrosis: Avascular necrosis is a condition where the bone and cartilage of the joint dies. This leads to the need for hip replacement surgery.
- Post-traumatic arthritis: post-traumatic arthritis is the most common cause of hip replacement surgery. It can happen when an individual’s joint is injured, causing chronic pain and inflammation in the area. This can result in a form of arthritis called post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
Hip replacements are also sometimes necessary due to injury or infection that has led to bone damage on one or both sides of the ball and socket.
The procedure of getting a hip replacement
The procedure of hip replacement varies depending on the type and severity of your condition.
The most common procedure for replacing a hip is total hip replacement, in which the ball at the top of your thigh bone and the socket in your pelvis are replaced with metal and plastic parts. During the procedure, an incision is made in your upper thigh and then down to the side of your buttock.
A surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone from around the joint surface, cuts away any diseased or damaged tissue that remains, reshapes the surfaces of both bones, attaches a new metal femoral head (ball) to your thighbone with special cement that hardens as it cures, fits a new socket into place over this surface onto which you will sit comfortably for years to come.
Your muscles are put back together, blood vessels sewn up, and layers of skin closed. In some cases where the patient has severe arthritis or other problems in addition to their hip problem, surgery can be done through less-invasive methods such as arthroscopic surgery by inserting small instruments through tiny incisions inside your body or computer-assisted surgery using virtual reality technology.
Physical therapy after a hip replacement
You will need physical therapy after a hip replacement. Your physical therapist will work with you, gradually increasing your range of motion and strengthening your muscles.
They will also teach you exercises that can help you recover more quickly at home. The goal is for you to be able to walk independently and participate in activities like golf or gardening.
Some people may even be able to resume their favourite exercise routine, but others may have trouble doing this for several months. After about six weeks, you should be able to take on lighter household chores. It is important not to push yourself too hard when getting back into your usual routine as your body has undergone major surgery.
Possible complications after a hip replacement
It is important to keep in mind that the hip replacement procedure is major surgery and can lead to complications.
The most common complication of a hip replacement is dislocation, which occurs when the ball slips out of the socket. This can happen because of an infection, misalignment, or an accident.
Hip replacements may also be complicated by deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can be life-threatening if left untreated. DVT occurs when blood clots form in the legs from sitting for long periods of time and then travel to the lungs. Signs include:
- Swollen, red, or warm legs
- Pain or tenderness in one leg
- Chest pain
- Cough with sputum production
- Sudden shortness of breath
- Dizziness
How To Find Best Hip Replacement Centre in India
Choosing the best hip replacement doctor is one of the most important decisions you can make. This procedure is not something that should be taken lightly, and it is best to find a reputable center that has a team of qualified specialists.
The first step in finding the best hip replacement doctor in Jaipur, India is ensuring they have been trained at an accredited medical school.
Next, look for reviews and ask your friends about their experiences with this particular healthcare provider.
Once you have narrowed down the list of doctors to three or four, schedule appointments and interviews with each individual so you can find the best joint surgeon in Jaipur. It is also important to feel comfortable with your decision.
Conclusion
If you need a hip replacement, the best thing you can do is to research your options and find the best joint surgeon in Jaipur. With the right doctor, you can be back on your feet in no time. Hip replacement surgery may sound scary at first, but it doesn’t have to be if you have the best joint surgeon in Jaipur doing it for you.
You can also visit Planning for a Hip Replacement Surgery – Know How to Speed Up Recovery?
