Hip Replacement Surgery

The procedure ranks second in the list of most common joint replacement procedures. It is highly effective in relieving hip pain and discomfort linked with degenerative joint problems. The success rate of the procedure is significantly high, lying between 90 and 95 per cent post 10 years following the surgery. Depending upon the components of the hip joint that are to be replaced with the prosthetic joint, hip replacement is broadly classified as partial and total hip replacement.

What is a hip replacement?
Hip replacement, also known as hip arthroplasty, is a procedure that aims at helping patients with chronic hip pain, which is not responding to medication, therapy or any other non-invasive treatment. During the procedure, the doctors replace damaged or diseased hip joint components with prosthetic components. 

What are the different types of hip replacement? 
Hip replacement is broadly classified into two different types:
●    Total hip replacement, which involves the replacement of both the components of the hip joint, i.e. the ball and the socket 
●    Partial hip replacement, which involves replacement of the femoral head, while the socket is left intact
●    Hip resurfacing, which involves removal of the damaged joint surface and replacing it with a metallic cover

Who is recommended to go for a hip replacement? 
Hip replacement surgery is recommended for patients experiencing any of the following:
●    Chronic hip pain that interferes with the patient’s quality of life 
●    Severe hip pain that disrupts your sleep 
●    Swelling and stiffness that limits hip joint mobility 
●    Inability to perform normal day-to-day activities 
●    Pain that is not responding to medicine and therapy 

What happens before the procedure?
●    A series of tests will be performed for a thorough examination and evaluation
●    Your medical history will be thoroughly assessed to ensure you do not have any condition that can interfere with the course of surgery.
●    Your doctors will brief you about the medical procedure, along with various benefits and risks involved 
●    It is important to inform your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy
●    You will need to refrain from consuming anything, starting at least 8 hours prior to the surgery
●    Some patients may be given mild sedatives, to help them relax prior to the procedure 
●    You will need to arrange for someone to accompany you to the hospital 
●    You will have to make certain arrangements at home to make it easier for you post-discharge. 

What happens during the procedure?
●    The surgery is carried out while the patient is sedated. This is done to ensure that you do not feel any pain or discomfort 
●    An intravenous line will be connected to your arm to administer nutritional fluids and medication.
●    Your vitals, i.e. heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, etc, will be keenly monitored 
●    Once you are under the influence of anaesthesia, the surgical site will be cleaned and doctors will carefully make an incision to access the affected joint components.
●    The affected parts of the hip joint are carefully removed and replaced with the prosthetic components 
●    The incision is then closed and a drain may be placed to allow excess fluids to come out

What to expect after the procedure?
●    After the procedure, you are likely to experience mild pain and discomfort. Your doctors will prescribe pain medication to help you deal with the same.
●    Rigorous physical activities are to be avoided as these can put unnecessary strain on the hip 
●    You will need to go for physiotherapy to help in quick  recovery
●    You will also have to go for regular check-ups to help your doctors keep a track of your progress