Hip Replacement

Hip pain goes beyond discomfort. It can get in the way of your daily routine, from walking and bending to getting out of bed in the morning. For many hip pain sufferers, replacement surgery is the solution. This blog is a detailed guide which we put together to help patients better understand hip replacement surgery. Whether you are a patient yourself or a care giver trying to help a loved one through the decision process, our guide which is full of practical info.  What is Total Hip Replacement and its types:  Total Hip Replacement is out that we perform a surgical procedure which sees a damaged hip joint trade in for an artificial implant. This procedure is put forth for people that have severe arthritis, injuries, or other issues which which bring about limited mobility and chronic pain. In a Total Hip Replacement the femoral head (which is the ball of the thigh bone) and the acetabulum (the hip socket) are gone and in are artificial parts. But in the case of Partial Hip Replacement only the femoral head is replaced and this is for the treatment of hip fractures in particular in the elderly.   Before hip replacement procedure:  Before going in for hip replacement surgery it is very important to take care of some details which will in turn lead to a better result and reduced complications. Patients must share with their doctors full medical history which includes past surgeries, present health issues, and what medications they are on. Also some drugs which include blood thinners and anti inflammatories may have to be altered. Also to do away with the smoke well in advance which affects blood circulation and the healing process. Also the amount of alcohol should be reduced which in turn will play nice with the anesthetic and also speed up recovery. To do better pre op also get in the habit of a healthy diet and low impact exercise which in turn will put less stress on the joints. Also at home make the changes which will make post op easier remove trip hazards, put in hand rails, and make it easy to get to what you will need.   Pre Surgical Procedures for Hip Replacement:  Preparing for hip replacement surgery is a multi step process. It begins with a preop evaluation which includes a wide range of tests like blood work, ECG, chest X-rays, and urine analysis which we do to make sure the patient is a good candidate for the surgery. We also have imaging studies done which may include X-rays or MRIs to help the surgeon best plan out the approach. If the patient has preexisting health issues like diabetes or heart issues they will get a green light from the related specialist. Also the anesthesiologist will sit down with the patient to go over what type of anesthetic will be used general or spinal and what the risks are of each. Also it is asked that patients do not eat or drink for 8 to 10 hours before the procedure. The surgical site will be cleaned with anti-septic soap to reduce the risk of infection. Also it is very important that patients make plans for post op care such as how they will get home from the hospital and who will help out at home.  Hip Reconstruction Surgery:  Hip replacement surgery in most times is carried out with the use of general or spinal anesthesia and has a high success rate as a treatment. Upon administration of the anesthetic the doctor will make an incision over the hip for access to the joint. In there we remove the damaged femoral head and hip socket very carefully. The new artificial socket is put in to the pelvic bone, also at that time a metal or ceramic stem is put in the femur which we then cap with a synthetic ball which is like the natural head of the thigh bone. We make sure the artificial joint is in the right alignment and secure before we close the incision with sutures or surgical staples. A sterile dressing is applied to the wound. The surgery usually takes an hour to two depending on the case and patient. Post op patients are taken to a recovery area for watchful waiting till the anesthetic has worn off.  Post Operation Care Instructions:  Post operative care is very important in the success of recovery from hip replacement surgery. Most patients stay in the hospital for 2 to 4 days post procedure. Pain management is a top priority, and we ask that patients take as prescribes medications. The surgical wound is to be kept clean and dry, with dressings changed as the health care team instructs. Also to be avoided are certain movements which include bending the hip past 90 degrees, crossing the legs, or twisting the body out of which the joint is put all of which may cause the new joint to dislocate. Very soon physical therapy is initiated and is key to regaining strength and mobility. At first patients may use assistive devices like crutches or a walker to get around. Also it is very important that patients watch for signs of complication like a fever, excessive swelling or atypical pain which should be reported to the medical team right away.  Is Hip replacement safe?  Hip replacement is a very safe and successful orthopedic procedure. We have seen great improvement in results of the surgery thanks to advanced surgical techniques and better post op care. While it is true that any large scale surgery comes with its set of risks we have seen those risks decrease with time. That said we do see complications which include infection, blood clots, dislocation of the joint, nerve damage and the implant wearing out or loosening up over time. It is very much in the patient’s best interest to choose an experienced orthopedic team and a good hospital. Most patients though report that they experience great pain relief and see great