During a hip replacement, a doctor removes the damaged portions of the hip joint and replaces them with parts typically made of metal and very hard plastic. This artificial joint (prosthesis) helps to alleviate pain and enhance function. Hip Replacement Surgery may be the top option if your hip pain interferes with your daily activities and less invasive treatments have failed. Arthritis damage is the most prevalent reason for hip replacement.
How To Plan For Surgery
People can do a number of things prior to hip replacement surgery to make day-to-day activities easier and accelerate their recovery:
- Blood work a medical evaluation, a chest x-ray, and an electrocardiogram, depending on age and medical condition.
- Since there may be some blood loss during total hip replacement surgery, you may require a blood transfusion. Therefore, you may wish to consider donating blood prior to the procedure.
- Find out what to expect. Doctors should be asked for patient-specific information.
- After returning home from the hospital, arrange for assistance around the house for a week or two.
- Make arrangements for hospital transportation. At home, establish a “recovery station.” Place the television remote, radio, telephone, medicine, tissues, wastebasket, and pitcher and glass of water next to the location where you will spend the most time recovering.
- Position daily-used items at arm’s length to avoid stooping or stretching.
- Stock up on kitchen essentials and prepare food in advance, such as casseroles and soups that can be easily reheated and served.
Surgical Procedures For Hip Replacement
Hip replacement surgery can be done using conventional methods or minimally invasive techniques. The size of the incision is the main distinction between the two procedures. Standard hip replacement surgery involves the administration of general anesthesia to relax the patient’s muscles and induce a short-term coma. This will protect you from experiencing any pain or being aware of the procedure during surgery. In lieu of pain medication, a spinal anesthetic may be administered. The doctor will then make an incision along the side of the hip and move the muscles attached to the top of the thigh bone in order to expose the hip joint. The next step is to remove the ball portion of the joint by sawing the thighbone. Then, a prosthetic joint is attached to the thighbone using cement or a special material that enables the remaining bone to fuse with the new joint. The doctor then prepares the hipbone’s surface by removing any damaged cartilage and attaches the replacement socket to the hipbone. The new ball portion of the thighbone is subsequently inserted into the socket portion of the hip. A drain may be installed to help drain any liquids. The physician reconnects the muscles and closes the incision.
Repositioning of The Hip
Immediately after hip joint replacement surgery, you will be restricted in your mobility.
- While sleeping, pillows or a special device are typically used to stabilize the hip in the proper position.
- You may be given intravenous fluids to replace fluids lost during surgery.
- Until you are able to use the restroom, a tube may be placed near the incision to drain fluid, and a catheter may be used to drain urine.
The physician will prescribe medication to alleviate pain or discomfort.
On the day after surgery or, in some cases, the day of surgery, therapists will instruct you in exercises to aid in recovery. A respiratory therapist may request that you take deep breaths, cough, or blow into a simple device that measures lung capacity. After surgery, these exercises decrease the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. One to four days following surgery, you may be able to sit on the edge of the bed, stand, and walk with assistance.
A physical therapist may instruct you on exercises to strengthen the hip while you are still in the hospital, such as contracting and relaxing specific muscles. Because the latest, artificial hip has a more restricted range of motion than a natural, healthy hip, the physical therapist will also instruct you in the proper techniques for simple daily activities, such as sitting and bending, to prevent injury to your new hip.
After Hip Replacement Surgery: Useful Advice
- Comply with the physician’s orders.
- Collaborate with a physical therapist or other medical professionals to rehabilitate your hip.
- Carry items around the home while wearing an apron. This leaves hands and arms available for balance or crutch use.
- Use a “reacher” with a long handle to activate lights and grab items that are out of reach.
Hip Replacement Surgery Risks
Hip Replacements Surgical procedures have been performed for many years, and surgical techniques continue to advance. There are many risks associated with any surgical procedure.
- Since you won’t be able to move around much initially, blood clots are a major concern. Your doctor will prescribe blood thinners to help prevent blood clots.
- Infection and bleeding are also potential complications, as are risks associated with general anesthesia.
- Following surgery, your legs’ lengths may not be equal.
- You must be careful about not crossing your legs or sitting too low, as dislocation of the joint may occur.
- Fat fragments within the bone marrow may become dislodged, enter the bloodstream, and enter the lungs, causing severe breathing difficulties.
- Swelling or pressure in the hip region can cause nerve damage and numbness in the hip region.