Overview

Total hip replacement, also known as Hip arthroplasty, is the surgical procedure where the affected painful, damaged or diseased hip joint is replaced with an artificial Hip Joint Prosthesis or Implant. This procedure is aimed or performed to relieve the pain, restore mobility, and to enhance the overall function of the hip joint.

In this surgery, the damaged parts of the hip joint, including the femoral head (the hip ball) and the Acetabulum (hip socket), are removed and then replaced with an artificial hip joint implant made of high-quality Metal alloy, Polyethylene, or Ceramic materials. This procedure thus helps in restoring the painless, smooth motions in the hip joint, and improving the overall patient's quality of life.

Normal hip joints are essential to allow independent and unsupported walking and sitting. Any abnormality or pain in the hip joints will lead to limping or disability thus compromising the quality of lifestyle. Hip joints have pivotal role in allowing squatting and cross leg sitting especially in Indian culture where any abnormality in hip joints will affect the patient socialization.

Any form of hip joint abnormality or insult will cause wear and tear or erosion of the hip joint cartilage and thus increasing the friction between the joints surface leading to pain and impaired motions of the hip joint and if neglected could result into permanent disability. Therefore, the Total Hip Replacement remains to be only option available allowing restoration of the hip joint with return back to the normal lifestyle.

Total hip replacement surgery is routinely recommended for Hip Osteoarthritis, AVN Hip, Hip Joint Tuberculosis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ankylosing arthritis, Hip fractures, and several other hip joint disorders causing significant pain and disability.

Hip Osteoarthritis- Also known as arthritis of hip joint due to wear and tear of the outer cover of the bones (Cartilage), is one of the common reasons for getting total hip replacement surgery being done.
Rheumatoid Arthritis- Rheumatoid arthritis is another major reason for total hip surgery. The condition happens due to joint inflammation eroding the cartilage and the bones. It leads to extreme pain during the movement of the hip joints. It makes the patient uncomfortable and acts as an obstruction to performing routine activities. Surgery helps to replace the damaged joints due to the inflammation and lower the pain.
Osteonecrosis or AVN Hip- It is a medical condition in which the balls of the hip joints do not receive enough blood supply. Hence, it leads to a fracture in the hip bone or dislocation of the hip joint. In such scenarios, the individual experiences extreme and unbearable pain and cannot move or bend. Hip surgery helps to recover from the pain and heal the condition.
Hip fractures- When the hip joint is fractured due to injury or fall, hip surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the damaged joint.
Congenital hip disorders- Some individuals with congenital hip conditions, such as hip dysplasia or hip dislocation, may require hip replacement surgery if other treatments fail.

Nowadays, hip replacement surgical techniques and skills have evolved to a significant level where one can do all the activities, even sitting cross leg or squatting after hip replacement with relatively fast recovery.

With Minimal Invasive techniques and using Patient Specific Customized Implants, it is now possible as well as practical to do these surgeries as Day Care procedure with immediate weightbearing and mobilization on the same day of surgery allowing Fast Track rehabilitation and return to normal lifestyle.

Understanding the Procedure

Mentioned below are the total hip replacement surgery steps that help the patient understand the surgical process in depth

The patient is given spinal anesthesia to numb or denervate both lower limbs so that the patient doesn’t feels surgical pain and remains comfortable.
The surgeon makes an incision over the hip area through the skin and muscle tissues to begin the surgery.
Then the damaged and non-functional ball and socket of hip joint bone and cartilage are removed carefully without disturbing the nearby bones.
The damaged hip joint socket is replaced with a metallic Cup with Ceramic or Polyethylene liner.
Then the hip ball is restored using a metallic stem fixed into thigh bone either with bone cement or press fitting and a metallic or ceramic ball is placed over the stem to articulate with the socket.

Post-Surgery Care Guidelines

Total hip replacement surgery recovery varies for every patient depending upon the patient's current medical condition. Usually, the recovery starts after two weeks of the surgery and patient starts walking without any support within 2-3 months. Mentioned below are some vital guidelines that help the patient to have an easy routine life:

Physical Therapy- Daily exercises and physical activities help to smoothen the joints. A physiotherapist can help to suggest exercises to increase mobility and strength of the joints and allow one to resume a normal life at the earliest possible time. The therapist can also teach the proper use of a walker, cane, or crutches for complete comfort while walking.
Compression Stockings- A surgeon suggests using compression stockings or inflatable air sleeves. Such products are helpful to avoid the pooling of blood in veins in the legs and avoid blood clots.
Assistive devices- Use assistive devices like crutches, walkers, or canes to aid mobility as recommended. Gradually transition to walking without assistance as guided by your healthcare provider.
Blood Thinning Medications- Blood clot is a risk factor post-hip surgery. To avoid worsening the condition, doctors may suggest certain blood thinning medications depending upon patient's medical conditions.

Conclusion

Total hip replacement surgery restores the hip joints and allows fast recovery from pain and disability due to different forms of hip arthritis or injury. The procedure involves the removal of the deceased joints and replacing them with High quality metallic or ceramic parts. It helps lower the pain in the hip joints and improve hip mobility.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Ortho doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.