Total hip replacement can help you to get back to daily activities.
A hip injury can affect your life in many ways, and even lead to severely restricted mobility. It is important to consult an orthopedic doctor in case you experience pain around the hips. One of the treatment options for certain hip conditions is total hip replacement. This refers to a surgical procedure done to replace the ball and socket joints of the hip with artificial hip ball and socket joints.
- The injured ball, which is the thigh bone’s head, is replaced with a metal ball that is fitted onto the femur
- The socket is usually replaced with a plastic cup socket
Candidates for Total Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement is often recommended for those who experience extreme pain in the hip while moving or resting due to a damaged hip joint. Doctors may also recommend this medical procedure for patients who have undergone other treatments, such as physiotherapy and steroid injection, without experiencing any considerable improvement.
Total hip replacement is one of the best treatment options for patients with various forms of arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, septic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis. This treatment option may also be recommended for patients with fractured hips or patients experiencing abnormal hip bone formation.
Your doctor may recommend total hip replacement if you experience so much pain around the hips that it affects your quality of life and sleep and your ability to perform your everyday activities.
How Total Hip Replacement Works
A total hip replacement surgery may take up to an hour and a half to complete. You are first sedated with general anesthesia. Alternatively, doctors may numb the lower body through a procedure known as epidural. Once you have been numbed or sedated, an orthopedic doctor will perform the hip replacement procedure replacing the damaged hip joints with artificial joints. The artificial joints are often made from ceramic or metal.
Preparing for Surgery
It is important to know what a total hip replacement entails before undergoing surgery. Your orthopedic doctor will provide all the information you need prior to the surgery. However, your doctor may recommend that you engage in light exercises such as walking and swimming a few months before the surgery to keep your muscles active. In addition, consult a physiotherapist to guide you in your workout routines.
Recovery Process
Patients who have undergone total hip replacement often use crutches to walk during the recovery period. However, certain exercises help to expedite the healing process and assist you in getting used to the new joint. Many patients experience noticeable improvements after three or more months, although results may vary. The total recovery period for total hip replacement is three to six months, depending on your needs for post-operative care.
Total hip replacement is one of the most effective treatment options for conditions and diseases that cause pain around the hips. It is important to consult your orthopedic doctor if you experience pain in your hips for a prolonged period.
on caring for specific orthopedic needs.
