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 improvement in their mobility which in turn improves the quality of their life.
What is the cost of Hip Replacement Surgery in India?
In India hip replacement is a more affordable option as compared to many Western countries which in turn has made it a popular destination for medical tourism. As a whole the cost is a result of number of factors like the choice of hospital, city, surgeon’s experience, and the type of implant that is used. On average single HIP replacement may go between INR 1.5-4.5 lakh. Bilateral replacement can range from INR 3-7 lakh. Should premium items such as foreign or ceramic prostheses be used the cost will go up. The package usually includes surgical fees, anesthetics, hospital stay, medication and post surgery consultations. It also recommended that patients get a very detailed break up from the hospital.
Best Orthopedic Doctor for Hip replacement in Ahmedabad:
Ahmedabad is known for its outstanding medical care which in particular extends to the orthopedic field. In that field we have Dr. Saurin Shah which is a very trusted name. With over two decades in orthopedic surgery Dr. Shah has established himself as a specialist in joint replacement which includes hip and knee replacements. He is known to use minimally invasive techniques which promote faster recovery and reduce post surgical discomfort. Dr. Shah’s clinic is a place which is fully equipped with the latest technology which in turn guarantees that patients receive full care from the consult to the recovery. Also it is his personal touch and commitment to patient care that makes him the first choice for hip replacement in Ahmedabad.
Nutrition Tips for Hip Recovery:
Nutrition is a key aspect of post hip replacement surgery recovery. A healthy diet which is balanced does that which is to repair tissues, strengthen bones, and support overall healing. We see that patients should include in their diet protein rich foods like eggs, poultry, fish, legumes, and dairy products which are very much so for muscle repair. Also in play should be Calcium and Vitamin D from green leafy vegetables, fortified cereals and dairy which do a great job for bone health. For iron which is in charge of blood formation and increasing energy levels we have spinach, beets, and red meat. Also in the picture should be fruits and vegetables which are high in vitamins and anti-oxidants which in turn help reduce inflammation. And of course, stay well hydrated which you can do by drinking plenty of water through out the day. Also to be avoided are processed foods, sugary snacks, excess salt and caffeine during the recovery phase.
How You will Feel After HIP Replacement Surgery
After hip replacement surgery patients’ typical response is a mix of relief and discomfort. While pain from the disease process in the affected joint is relieved chronic pain sufferers present with soreness, swelling and stiffness in the area of the surgery which is very common. Within a few weeks these symptoms improve. Also fatigue is a normal thing which we see due to anesthetic effects and reduced movement. As the days go by most patients report improved range of motion and a decreasing pain level. Some may here or feel what sounds like clicking in the joint which is usually nothing to worry about. Over time those sensations go away as the body gets used to the new joint. Also emotional issues like anxiety and mood changes may play out but tend to sort themselves out as the repair process moves forward.
When do we get back to normal after surgery?
Resumption of normal activities after hip replacement surgery varies for each person. As a whole though we see a trend in the recovery which goes like this. Within 1 to 3 days of surgery patients usually are walking with the help of a walker or crutches. By 4 to 6 weeks most are back into doing light house work and self care as they feel — which is based on how they are doing and their pain tolerance. Also at 6 weeks we see that it is ok to get behind the wheel again if sitting is comfortable and safe operation of the vehicle is doable. For a desk job going back to work is at the 6 to 8 week mark for most, but for very physical jobs a longer break is required. Full recovery which includes going back into all regular activities and exercise takes a 3 to 6 month period.
Long term results after surgery:
The large scale benefits of hip replacement are great. Many patients that had chronic hip pain report full relief and they are able to get back to independent living. With restored joint function which in turn improves daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even gardening we see that they are free of pain. Mobility which was once a struggle they now enjoy doing; they are able to partake in hobbies, social events, and light physical activity without pain. Also in addition to physical benefits we see many individuals report better mental and emotional health which is a result of more independence and also reducing the use of medications. Hip implants are put in for a term of 15 to 25 years which is a very long term solution for people that are dealing with very disabling hip issues.
Future Developments in Hip Replacement Surgery in India:
India is seeing great progress in medical technology which is also true for hip replacement which we are at the forefront of. In this area we have seen the introduction of robotic assisted surgery which is very promising indeed. It brings to the table greater precision, smaller incisions, and faster recovery times. Also we have 3D printing which is used for the development of custom made implants which fit the patient’s anatomy perfectly. Also in the research stage are what we may term smart implants which report to the surgeon on joint performance which in turn will help in the early detection of problems. Also we are looking at biologic solutions like stem cell treatments which we think will improve healing and reduce inflammation. All of these advances are looked at to not only improve the safety of the procedure but also to make it more efficient and available to a wider population in the years to come.