A hip joint is a ball and socket joint designed to provide stability, support, and a wide range of motion. It plays a crucial role in our ability to walk, move, and perform various activities.
Hip injuries such as dislocation, fractures, or conditions like osteoarthritis can cause significant pain and limit the range of motion of the hip joint.
A hip replacement surgery is considered crucial when pain and other symptoms in your hip affect your mobility and do not respond to more conservative treatments like medications and physical therapy. It is also recommended in advanced stages of arthritis and when there is irreparable damage to the hip joint due to an injury or health condition.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on hip replacement surgery and its recovery process.
An Overview of Hip Replacement Surgery
A hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which a hip surgeon replaces your entire hip or parts of it with a human-made hip implant or prosthesis.
During a total hip replacement, an orthopedic surgeon replaces your whole hip with an artificial joint. Nearly all hip replacements are total hip replacements. On the other hand, in partial hip replacement, your surgeon will only replace a part or component of your hip. This is done to repair certain types of broken hips or to remove certain hip tumors.
Before Hip Replacement
Before hip replacement surgery, an orthopedic surgeon performs a physical exam and orders some tests, such as X-rays, blood tests like basic metabolic panels, and urinalysis. In some cases, an orthopedic surgeon might also order a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) scan, or electrocardiogram. They will also check the current range of motion of your hip joint and the muscles that support your hip and legs.
If you are obese or overweight, your orthopedic surgeon may also ask you to lose some weight before your hip replacement to minimize stress on your new hip joint and decrease the risks of surgery. They will also advise you to stop taking certain medications.
Hip Replacement Procedure
For a hip replacement procedure, you will receive regional anesthesia that will block pain but won’t completely put you to sleep. Next, your hip surgeon will make an incision to access your damaged or worn-out hip joint. Then, they will remove some or all of your hip joint and replace it with a prosthesis.
The artificial hip joint or prosthesis may be made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. The implant component may be “press fit” into the bone, which will then grow onto the prosthetic component. An alternative way is to cement the prosthetic component into place. The decision to cement or press fit the prosthetic component is made based on factors such as the strength and quality of your bone.
After Surgery
Following the surgical procedure, you will be moved to the recovery room, where you will remain until you recover from anesthesia. When the effect of anesthesia subsides, you will be taken into your hospital room or discharged to home.
Recovery Following Hip Replacement Surgery
Recovery following hip replacement surgery might take time, which varies from person to person. A hip replacement performed with minimally invasive techniques requires at least six weeks off work and other responsibilities to recover safely and effectively. It may take 6 to 12 weeks to use your hip without any restrictions.
Typically, during the recovery process, you will be advised to:
- Manage pain with over-the-counter medications or prescription medications.
- Keep your wound clean and avoid getting the wound wet.
- Keep the stitches or staples on for approximately two weeks after the surgery.
- Eat a healthy and nutritious diet to promote proper tissue healing and restore muscle strength.
- Attend your post-op physical therapy sessions.
- Participate in normal light activities of daily living within three to six weeks following the surgery.
- Look out for the signs of surgery complications, such as blood clots and infections.
For a successful surgery and recovery, it is important to follow an orthopedic surgeon’s instructions, especially regarding home care and physical therapy following the surgery.
Hip Replacement in Pembroke Pines and Lauderdale Lakes, FL
At Total Orthopaedic Care, we have a team of highly trained, board-certified, and fellowship-trained hip surgeons passionate about putting our patients back on their feet. Our hip surgeons regularly perform total and partial hip replacement procedures with successful outcomes.
To schedule a consultation with us to know whether you are a candidate for hip replacement, call us today at (954) 735-3535 or use our online appointment request form.
