Hip replacement surgery is performed for various medical reasons when the hip joint becomes damaged, painful, or impaired. Various surgical approaches for hip replacement can be chosen according to the patient’s requirements. During a hip replacement surgery, the damaged part of the hip joints are replaced with artificial parts.
The hip joint is a ball and socket joint comprising the pelvis (hip bone) and femur (thigh bone). It connects the lower extremities with the axial skeleton. It also consists of muscles which are divided into flexors, extensors, abductors, adductors, internal rotators, and external rotators, based on their functions relative to the movement of the hip. The primary function of the hip joint is to provide support to the weight of the body allowing mobility. Regain mobility with top-notch acl surgery singapore.
What Causes the Need For Hip Replacement
Hip damage can result from a variety of conditions, such as hip fractures, infections of the hip bones and joints, osteoarthritis, hip osteonecrosis, cartilage deterioration, femoral acetabular impingement, etc. Severe hip or groin pain may arise from these. A person with a hip injury may even experience leg shortening on the affected side and they may also be unable to bear weight on the leg of the affected side. It also makes it more difficult to walk and to get back up after falling. There may be swelling and bruises in and around the hip region.
The most frequent cause of hip replacement is osteoarthritis. It arises from the gradual deterioration of the cushioning cartilage between the ends of the bones in the hip joint. Other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteonecrosis are also common reasons. Hip injuries are also frequently caused by trauma resulting from falls, sports injuries, car crashes, direct blows to the hip, etc. When the pain is so bad that it interferes with everyday activities and persists even when the patient is at rest, a hip replacement is surgically performed.
To have a successful surgery, it is important to conduct thorough research, consult healthcare professionals, and choose a hospital that aligns with the specific needs and preferences of the patient. People often consider having hip replacement surgery in India, as India is renowned for its good medical procedures and high-quality healthcare.
Types of Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement is primarily performed to treat pain that is not relieved by medication, and stiffness that restricts motion. These symptoms can interfere with work, sleep, and daily activities. The following are the most common types of hip surgeries:
Total hip replacement: A total hip replacement, also known as a total hip arthroplasty, is the most popular kind of hip replacement surgery. During this procedure, worn-out or damaged hip implants are replaced with synthetic ones. A sturdy plastic cup—which might or might not have a titanium metal shell—replaces the socket. A ceramic or metal alloy ball will be used to replace your extracted femoral head. A metal stem is inserted into the top of your femur and attached to the new ball.
Partial hip replacement: Unlike total hip replacement, which replaces both sides of the hip joint, partial hip replacement, also known as hemiarthroplasty, replaces just one side of the hip joint, the femoral head. This procedure is performed on most older patients who have hip fractures.
Hip resurfacing: The procedure involves capping or reshaping the surfaces of the femoral head (the ball) and the acetabulum (the socket) rather than completely replacing them. The damaged surface of the femoral head is trimmed and capped with a metal prosthesis, and the acetabulum may be reshaped or replaced with artificial components. It is commonly done in younger patients.
Many people choose to have hip replacement surgery in India due to the high quality of care provided at many hospitals. Regardless of its advances in healthcare, Cost of Hip Replacement Surgery in India is much more affordable as compared to other countries, making it a perfect choice for those having financial issues. The cost savings can be significant, and many hospitals have world-class facilities and expert surgeons.
Recovery From Hip replacement Surgery
The recovery time after hip replacement surgery is different for each individual. Several factors such as patients’ age, social factors, and overall health condition can hinder the duration. It can also be based on the type of surgery performed. Younger patients are expected to recover faster but they are less likely to have hip replacement.
The incisions of modern hip replacement surgery are usually small and are sealed with absorbable sutures. It takes roughly six weeks for the incision to heal after it is dressed. Showers are okay during this period, but bathing and swimming should be avoided until the wound heals completely to lower the risk of infection.
Following the surgery, the patients are unable to manage their needs for the first few weeks, and support from family and friends is really necessary. For the first few weeks, a cane or walker is used to reduce falls and to balance the movement. However, apart from that there is no need to keep the weight off from the hip. Rehabilitation therapy is important to improve the recovery process. It mainly involves resistance training of hip muscles and knee muscles in the legs, which is very helpful as muscle strength plays a big role in the recovery. Most patients are expected to continue their normal activities after 10-12 weeks. According to researchers, it takes 1-2 years to completely regain complete strength and fitness.
Risks Associated With Hip Replacement Surgery
- Fractures: Healthy hip joint components can break during surgery. The fractures are usually tiny enough to heal on their own. Larger fractures may require stabilization with wires, screws, a metal plate, or bone grafts.
- Dislocation: Particularly in the initial few months following surgery, certain positions may result in the ball of the new joint coming out of the socket. A brace can assist in maintaining the hip’s proper alignment in the event of a dislocation. To stabilize the hip, further surgery might be required if it keeps dislocating.
- Nerve damage: In rare cases, nerve damage may occur which will cause pain, weakness, and numbness.
- Leg length alteration: Though surgeons try to prevent it, sometimes a new hip results in one leg being longer or shorter than the other. Occasionally, this is brought on by a hip-circumferential muscle contracture. Stretching and gradually strengthening those muscles may be helpful in these situations. After a few months, small variations in leg length usually become undetectable.
- Infection: Both the incision site and the deeper tissue close to the new hip may become infected. Antibiotics are used to treat most infections, but surgery to replace the artificial components may be necessary if the infection is severe close to the new hip.
- Blood clotting: After surgery, clots may form in the veins of the legs. This can be risky because a fragment of the clot may break off and go to the heart, lung, or, in rare cases, the brain. Anticoagulants might be used to lower this risk.
Choosing a hospital for hip replacement surgery is a crucial decision, and it is important to consider several factors to ensure a successful and safe procedure. Some hospitals in India are specialized orthopedic centers known for their expertise in joint replacement surgeries. Hip replacement surgery Cost in India will have multiple options for those patients looking for treatment. Also, hip replacement surgery hospitals in India, provide patients with access to the most advanced technology and equipment. The availability of the greatest and most skilled hip replacement surgeons in India also ensures exceptional treatment quality.