Hip replacement – what is it defined as:

Hip replacement, also referred as hip arthroplasty, is a medical surgery that helps in relieving pain in the hip. Through the surgery, the parts of the hip joint that are damaged or injured are replaced with artificial or prosthetic  ones. The socket and ball comprise the hip joint. 

The ball is located at the top end of the femur, which is also referred to as the thigh bone. One or both of the hip’s parts are changed during hip replacement surgery. The surgery aims to relieve pain so you can go about your daily life and exercise again.

How to identify if there is a need for hip replacement?

When hip pain makes your life less enjoyable, it could be time to get a new hip. Here are some indications for total hip replacement are:

• A painful condition that prevents you from having a restful night’s sleep
• Simple things like climbing stairs or getting dressed are hard to do.
• Not being able to enjoy the things you like to do thoroughly.

At first, your doctor may suggest other treatments, such as pain or inflammation medicine, walking aids, joint injections, and physical therapy. However, if these steps don’t help with the pain and stiffness, surgery to replace the hip may be needed to improve function and quality of life.

What are the different types of hip replacement surgeries?

Total hip replacement:

A total hip replacement is the operation that is performed on the hip the most frequently. It replaces the whole hip structure with parts made of metal and plastic. During the surgery, the surgeons put a stabilizing stem into the femur, or thighbone, of the patient. Next, they put a ball in place of the head of the femur and a cup in place of the socket in the hip joint.

Partial hip replacement:

In a partial hip replacement, the patient’s femoral head, the ball at the top end of the thigh bone, is removed and replaced. However, it doesn’t take the place of the plug. Instead, a metal or ceramic ball is connected to the end of a stem that is put into the hollow center of the femur. Most of the time, this surgery is done to fix certain kinds of hip fractures.

Hip resurfacing:

The discomfort caused by deteriorating cartilage in the hip joint can be alleviated with resurfacing surgery. First, the surgeon trimmed an injured bone ball at the top end of the femur bone. The metal is then smoothed over, and the process is repeated. The surgeon will also insert a metal liner or shell into the hip’s natural socket.

The different types of hip replacement surgery and how it works:

Minimally invasive hip replacement surgery:

Minimally invasive hip replacement aims to do as minor damage as possible to healthy tissues, like muscles and blood vessels, during surgery. Even though anterior hip replacement has been advertised as a minimally invasive procedure, orthopaedic surgeons now use minimally invasive procedures for all hip surgeries. Your doctor will talk with you about which approach might work best.

Not all people are good candidates for minimally invasive hip replacement. The surgeon will look at your age, weight, level of fitness, and other things to decide whether you are a suitable candidate.

A usual hip replacement surgery duration is about two to three hours. 

Traditional hip replacement:

A traditional hip replacement has a single, large incision that lets the surgeon reach the hip, usually from the side (called a “lateral approach”) or the back.

When a conventional hip replacement is done, it can take a while to get better because the surgeon has to cut or separate some tendons and muscles to get to the joint.

Sri Ramakrishna Hospital in Coimbatore has introduced advanced techniques to treat the damaged hip with the slightest intervention. Along with offering minimally invasive procedures, the hospital ensures the patient has a smooth recovery with possibly no complications. 

Not every case of hip damage requires a hip replacement. Few cases only require proper care and physiotherapy to get them back on their feet. Choosing hip replacement surgery in Coimbatore can benefit you in various ways and ensure complete recovery. 

The advantages of undergoing hip replacement surgery:

In the majority of people, hip replacement provides them relief from the enduring pain, helps restore mobility, and helps them return to their routine. 

Finding relief from pain is the main objective of hip replacement. However, you cannot immediately free yourself from pain after the surgery. You might experience mild pain and discomfort after the surgery. You might be prescribed medications to calm the pain. After about two weeks of the surgery, your pain gradually subsides and depending on your ortho surgeon’s recommendation, you might begin to perform mild exercises to regain hip strength.

Will you need physiotherapy during the recovery period?

Physiotherapy is a specialty that helps to regain the strength of your muscles. A physiotherapist recommends mild exercises and proper care tips that can help you regain your mobility as soon as possible.

What is the age restriction for hip replacement surgery?

Adults or teenagers of any age can undergo hip replacement. Although there is no particular hip replacement age limit, this procedure is usually performed in people between sixty and eighty.

Do results of hip replacement last for a lifetime?

Hip replacement surgery involves the replacement of the hip joint with a prosthetic joint made of medical-grade metal or a different material. Usually, they last for a long time when you receive treatment from a well-experienced ortho surgeon and follow the doctor’s recommendations religiously. 

Although the chances of undergoing a hip replacement for the second time are pretty low.

Important Takeaway:

Hip replacement is a medical surgery that can be done with both minimally invasive and traditional methods. However, the procedure is chosen by the surgeon depending on various factors. Therefore, even after hip replacement, following a proper care routine is essential to ensure you don’t experience any injury that can damage your hip. 

The complications of hip replacement are quite rare. However, visiting your orthopedic doctor regularly helps you be aware of your hip health. Book your appointment at the best orthopedic hospital in Coimbatore to help your hip regain its function.