Recent years have seen a rise in hip replacement surgeries in India, especially among older patients. Patients can choose non-surgical options like physiotherapy, which is quite effective. However, there are some circumstances when the hip needs to be replaced because it is too severely damaged.
With an advanced hip replacement, patients can expect shorter recovery times, less pain, and fewer complications after surgery. The fact is that hip replacement has become a safer and more frequently used procedure.
Before planning a hip replacement operation, it is essential to know about the process from pre-surgery tests to the day of surgery, to the recovery phase, and so on. This blog contains some of the most frequently asked questions and answers provided by Dr Anjani Kumar. Don’t hesitate to ask a doctor or a replacement team member about the surgery.
What is Hip Replacement Surgery?
This is also known as hip arthroplasty. Surgery on your hip joint will replace the part of your pelvis and hips (thighbone) that make up your hip joint. Most hip replacement procedures are performed to relieve knee pain and stiffness caused by hip arthritis. This procedure is sometimes used to treat injuries such as broken or irregular hip joints and other disorders.
When I undergo Hip Replacement Surgery?
An orthopedician will decide whether you are eligible for surgery are not. The doctor will decide based on medical history and medical examination by using an x-ray and MRI report. Then an orthopedician will ask you to decide whether discomfort, stiffness, and damage justify having surgery. It would not damage you to wait for conservative and non-surgical methods to control your discomfort. If you don’t feel comfortable and the pain does not go away, then the surgical technique is the option suggested by a doctor.
What materials are used for joint replacement?
No one material used is suitable in the world of prosthetics! Hip replacement surgery consists of two main components: the ball and the socket. Hip joint prostheses are often made of titanium, while the ball is made up of cobalt, ceramics, or oxonium. Besides used material differences, there are two ways to attach the prostheses to the bone: cemented or uncemented. Of course, every technology has advantages and disadvantages.
Patients don’t have to choose these new parts- a doctor must be able to offer you the best prosthesis for your body’s requirements.
What can I expect on the day of surgery?
Plan to go to the hospital a few hours before surgery. Before the procedure, the patient will receive general anaesthesia or a spinal blockage that numbs the lower part of the body. To perform the process, which usually takes about an hour. The surgeon will cut the anterior or lateral aspects of the hip joint. He will leave the healthy bones and remove damaged or diseased bone and cartilage from a joint. A surgeon will then replace the damaged area with a prosthetic part, usually made of metal, ceramics, and plastic.
After surgery, it takes about 3 hours for you to wear off the anaesthesia used. They may experience acute pain for 28 – 48 hrs. The patient is taken to a hospital room where medical personnel monitors the blood pressure, heart rate, pulse, and analgesic needs. Your doctor may ask you to walk with the help of a walker under his supervision.
Most of the patients are discharged home on the day of surgery. If the patient has any other disorder and by observing his medical fitness, the doctor may suggest staying in the hospital for a day or two.
Will I notice any difference in my hip after surgery?
In many cases, hip replacement patients find that the new joint is entirely natural. However, it is recommended to avoid extreme movements or intense physical activity. The legs of the new hip joint may be longer than before, either because of the previous shortening due to hip joint disruption or because hip extension is needed to avoid dislocation. Most patients get used to this feeling on time or can use a small lift-like substance in another shoe. Some patients experience hip pain if they carry weight for several months after surgery.
Why I’m not recovering from surgery?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the most common reason of not recovering after a surgery is depending on the type of surgery and the person’s individual medical history. Some people may recover soon after the surgery, while others may require more time for reflection and may have a better chance of recovering if they take time for self-care.
When can I start driving after Surgery?
If surgery is on the right hip joint, you may not drive for at least four weeks. After four weeks, you can drive again as soon as you feel comfortable. Don’t drive if you use narcotics.
When should I take a shower following surgery?
You can take a shower four days after surgery. Above the incisions, you have a strip. 2 weeks after surgery, they gradually begin to bend at the edge. In this case, you can carefully pull the wound band. Underneath the bandage, you can see a healed incision. Also, you can find a thread at the top and bottom, which is used to stitch the incision line. Do not pull or shorten these stitches. These are absorbable seams that release themselves by the fourth week. Make sure to dry the wound well after bathing.
What Be Will the Recovery After the Surgery?
Recovery is a slow and gradual process. To speed up your recovery, walking and physical therapy exercises will help. The average short recovery time for hip replacements is four to six weeks. During this time, you should be able to walk two blocks with little pain. Long-term recovery can take up to six months because the soft tissue and surgical wound heal completely. Ask a doctor about your estimated recovery time and the recommendations of a physical therapist and other support teams that you can rely on during the recovery process.
When should I consider an emergency and go to a doctor immeadiatly?
Some issues are abnormal and require a call to the doctor. These include:
- Increased drainage or swelling
- Inability to bear weight on the operated leg
- If pain is not controlled by pain medication
- Fever above 101.5 ̊
- Insomnia due to pain
- Swelling of the legs or calves
- Reduced sensation in the legs
When Should A Patient Return to work?
Returning to work depends significantly on the type of work you do and your recovery. You will probably be back in four to six weeks if you have an office or desk work. It can take up to three months for the device to fully recover for physical tasks that require lifting, walking, or travelling. Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to work by seeing your recovery and if there are restrictions.
What Activities Should A Patient Avoid After Surgery?
You must maintain your new joint movement. However, you must gradually return to normal activities. Your doctor and team will instruct you to avoid certain words that might make your new replacement painful. Avoid strenuous activities and consult a surgeon before starting a new exercise or trying a physically demanding sport.
Successful hip replacements can improve your life; they can eliminate pain, increase mobility, and reduce the fear of dangerous falls as you age. Modern medicine and technology make it easier for patients to recover early. More people choose to fight diseases such as osteoporosis and hip arthritis at a younger age.
Prepare for an appointment for an interview. Make a list of questions you want to answer and find areas that need to be clarified. Don’t be afraid to ask for further explanation. A doctor will help you make the right choices for your body. If you decide to replace your hip joint, these questions will help you prepare for a quick and smooth recovery.
For further information about Hip Replacement surgery or planning to have a hip replacement surgery contact Dr Anjani Kumar.
