Hip replacement is a surgical operation where a damaged or infected hip joint is replaced with an artificial implant. This surgery is usually only advised for people who have severe pain, stiffness, and disability from conditions affecting the hip joint, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or hip fractures, and in whom other treatment options including physical therapy, medications, and injections are no longer effective.
Types of Hip Replacement
Total Hip Replacement: This is the most common form of hip replacement, where the entire ball and socket of the hip joint are replaced.
Partial Hip Replacement: This procedure, called hemiarthroplasty, replaces only the ball portion of the hip joint. It’s generally used for a particular type of hip fracture, or in younger patients.
Hip Resurfacing: Instead of replacing the femoral head, this less invasive alternative caps it with a metal covering, similar to a thimble. This is typically reserved for younger, more active patients.
Benefits of hip replacement
Hip replacements are generally very successful surgeries, but to start with, you should expect to have some pain from the surgery itself. You can expect some good mobility, however, a hip replacement is not going to give you as much mobility as a healthy natural hip joint.
Pain relief: Hip replacements can significantly reduce pain and stiffness; most people see a dramatic decrease in symptoms.
Enhanced mobility: You should experience improved range of motion and mobility, which will facilitate walking, climbing stairs, and other physical activities following hip replacement.
Enhanced quality of life: After a hip replacement,many individuals report an improvement in their overall quality of life.
Relieved caregivers: Daily activities become much easier after a hip replacement, which can help other family members or caregivers.
Reduced risk of muscle damage: Hip replacements have less risk of muscle injury.
Hip replacements typically do not require a long stay in the hospital.
Decreased risk of hip dislocation: A hip replacement has a lower risk of hip dislocation.
Procedure of Hip Replacement
The procedure usually lasts about 1-2 hours and can be performed using various approaches, including:
Posterior approach: The surgeon performs the procedure through an incision at the back of the hip.
Frontside approach: An incision is made in front of the hip, so there may be less muscle disturbance.
Lateral approach: An incision is made on the side of the hip.
Risk and Complications
Hip replacement surgery is relatively low-risk, but there are some risks to keep in mind:
Clots: This is a frequent complication and clots can form in veins in the legs or lungs. If a clot breaks off and travels to the heart or brain, it can be dangerous. To help reduce that risk, you might take blood thinners, wear compression stockings or do ankle pump exercises.
Infection: You can develop an infection at the incision site, or deeper in the tissue surrounding the new hip. Infections are rare but can be serious and require further surgery. Risk factors for infection include obesity, poorly controlled diabetes and tobacco use.
Dislocation: The new joint may dislocate, particularly during the early months post-surgery.
Fracture: Healthy bone surrounding the implant can fracture either during or following surgery.
Leg-length discrepancy: In rare cases, one leg is shorter than the other of where the legs aren’t the same length.
Loosening: The new joint may never fully adhere to the bone or may loosen over time.
Nerve damage: Nerves near the implant can in rare cases be injured.
Fat embolism: In extremely rare cases, fat from the bone marrow may leak into the bloodstream and increase the risk for a heart attack or stroke.
Hip Replacement Recovery
Hip replacement surgery recovery generally lasts for several months. Physical therapy is very important for regaining strength and range of motion at the hip joint. Most people can resume their usual activities within a few months after surgery. Hip replacement surgery recovery varies from individual to individual, although most individuals are able to return to many activities in just a few months.
Movement: You will be able to walk with a cane and can start to increase the distance and frequency of your walks.
Going back to work: You should be able to return to work in six weeks or so, depending on what you do.
Pain: Ice or a cold pack can minimize pain.
Swelling: To reduce swelling, you can elevate your ankle.
Wound management: Keep your incision site clean and dry, and follow your doctor’s guidance on the appropriate time to shower or bathe.
Activities: You may try lower-impact activities such as swimming, golfing and bike riding. Such high-impact activities as running or playing basketball may place too much strain on the artificial joint.
Conclusion
Hip replacement is an extremely successful operation to relieve pain and restore function in hips that have been compromised by diseases like arthritis or injury. The vast majority of people who get a hip replacement have a dramatic decrease in their pain and a greater ability to walk, go upstairs and do other activities of daily living. But it’s worth noting that hip replacement is surgery, and all surgery carries risks. You should talk to your doctor about these risks.
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