Hip replacement

Hip replacement is the elective procedure for people with severe hip damage or pain related to chronic osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or other degenerative processes involving the hip joint. It is a surgical procedure for a hip replacement involves removing the damaged cartilage and bone from the hip joint and replacing them with new, manufactured parts.

Hip replacement Image

Surgery

Surgeon makes an incision over the side of the thigh, removes the diseased parts of the hip joint, and replaces them with new, artificial parts. These parts mimic the way a normal hip joint works. The pieces may be made of metal, plastic, ceramic, or a combination of these materials.

Goals of treatment

The goals of hip replacement surgery include:

• Relieve pain from the damaged or diseased hip joint.
• Improve the way the hip joint works.
• Help you move better.

Purpose of the hip replacement surgery

During a hip replacement, the surgeon tries to use the smallest incision possible to limit the amount of injury to the soft tissue and bone.

• Hip replacement surgery is usually needed to repair damage to the hip joint from:
• Osteoarthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Osteonecrosis.
• Injuries or broken bones from trauma or disease.

Hip Replacement

Treatments before surgery

Your doctor may recommend that you try other treatments before having hip replacement surgery, including:

• Pain medications.
• Physical therapy and exercise programs.
• Activity changes to limit strain on your hip.
• Assistive devices such as a cane, crutch, or walker.

Getting ready for surgery

Getting ready for hip replacement surgery begins several weeks or more before the actual surgery. Being as healthy as possible before your surgery can help you recover. Here are some things you can do to help you prepare for surgery and recovery:

Speak with your surgeon and other health care team members about what to expect.

Hip replacement, surgical staples

• Ask your surgeon about exercises you can do before surgery to help you get stronger.
• If you smoke, try to quit or cut back.
• If you are overweight, try to lose weight. Being overweight can increase the chance of having problems during or after surgery.
• Set up transportation for your surgery and any follow-up visits.
• Ask for help around the house for a week or two after coming home. This may include help with cooking, shopping, and laundry.
• Make meals in advance.
• Set up an area in your home where you will spend most of your time recovering. You may want to:
• Keep the television remote control, telephone, cell phone, medicine, tissues, and wastebasket close by.
• Place other items you use every day at arm’s level so you can easily reach them.
• Wear an apron with pockets for carrying things around the house. This leaves hands and arms free for balance or to use crutches.
• Use a long-handled “reacher” to turn on lights or grab things that are beyond arm’s length.
• Speak to your health care team about equipment that may help with daily activities such as:
• Safety bars in the bathroom.
• Raised toilet seat.
• Shower chair or bench to use during bathing.

Devices to help you move around, such as a walker or crutches.

Hip joint replacement

During hip replacement

• You will receive anesthesia to keep you comfortable and pain free during the surgery. The type of anesthesia you get depends on your health history and the medicines you take.
• Your surgeon will make an incision over the hip. The size of the incision will vary depending on many factors, including your size and your surgeon’s preferences.  
• Your surgeon will remove the diseased bone tissue and cartilage from the hip joint, and insert the new, artificial parts.
• You will be moved to the recovery room after surgery.  

Recovery

• How long you stay in the hospital or surgical center after your surgery depends on many factors, including your overall health. Some people may go home the same day, while others stay in the hospital. These are some common steps in recovery.
• If you need extra time and therapy to recover, your health care team may recommend that you spend some time in a rehabilitation or skilled nursing care facility.
• Everyone who has hip replacement surgery learns exercises to strengthen the hip and how to move around safely.
• Whether you stay at the hospital, go home the same day, or transfer to another facility, your health care team will give you instructions to follow once you are home.
• How quickly and how fully you recover from hip replacement surgery varies from person to person. This depends on many factors, such as your overall health and fitness level before surgery. For many people, much of their recovery happens in the first 2 months after surgery. However, it is important to know that full recovery continues as you get stronger and more active over the next year after surgery.

Leg length discrepancy after hip replacement

Post operative care and what to expect

Your health care team can provide advice on when you can start to participate in more demanding activities. Most people who have hip replacement surgery experience:

• Less pain.
• Better ability to move.
• Improvements in activities of daily living and quality of life.
• Talk to your doctor about exercises that can help increase muscle strength and physical fitness without injuring the new hip.

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