Things to Keep in Mind About Hip Replacement Surgery

All About Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgery is the procedure where a doctor removes the patient’s painful hip joint surgically and replaces it with the artificial joint, which is usually made from plastic and metal components. Hip replacement surgery is the last step when every other type of treatment options have failed to work and provide sufficient pain relief.

People who have moderate to severe hip arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or osteoarthritis that causes pain as well as interferes with everyday living. People who require the surgery are not able to perform daily tasks, such as walking, getting in and out of the chair, sleeping, etc. conveniently due to pain. Some patients may even have restricted movements due to stiffness caused by joint degeneration.
Typically, 90% of the people who undergo such surgery have hip osteoarthritis. Apart from arthritis, some people have hip replacement surgery in order to correct issues related to fractures or other medical conditions like osteonecrosis or bone death caused by insufficient blood supply.

Types Of Hip Replacement Surgeries

There are three major types of hip replacement surgeries- partial hip replacement, total hip replacement, and hip resurfacing surgeries.

• Hip resurfacing surgery is an alternative to the total hip replacement surgery active, younger patients.
• Hemiarthroplasty or partial hip replacement involves replacing just one side of a hip joint i.e. the femoral head and not both sides. Older people who have fractured hip undergo this type of surgery.
• Total hip replacement or total hip arthroplasty is the most common kind of hip replacement surgery. In this surgery, damaged or worn-out sections of the hip are replaced with artificial implants. The socket in the hip joint is replaced with a highly durable plastic cup that may not or may have a titanium metal shell. The femoral head with being first removed and then replaced with a metal or ceramic ball. This ball is attached to the metal stem, which is inserted into the patient’s femur.

Steps of Hip Replacement Surgery

• You are most likely to be hospitalised on the day of the surgery.
• The first step involves giving anesthesia. One of the members of the anesthesia team will be evaluating the patient. The most common kinds of anesthesia are epidural or general anesthesia. This is important so that the patient does not feel any discomfort or pain during the surgery.
• Next, the doctor will make an incision along the hip and reach the hip joint.
• Then, using a saw the ball part of the joint is cut and eliminated so that an artificial joint can be attached to the patient’s thighbone using special material or cement.
• After that, the doctor removes any damaged cartilage and fixed the replacement socket component of the hip.
• Post this, the muscles are reattached and the incision is closed.
• If a lot of blood was lost during the procedure, the doctor may consider blood transfusion.
• Lastly, the patient has to relax and rest for recovery.

Is Hip Replacement Surgery Safe?

Hip replacement surgery is very common and is very safe. As much as 90% of the people who undergo hip replacement surgeries do not suffer from any complications and are able to recover smoothly. Before going for the surgery, you must ask your doctor about all the possible complications, specifically if you suffer from diabetes, blood pressure, or any other complicated diseases.

Once the doctor knows about all your medical conditions, they can take the necessary steps to decrease the chances of any medical complication. The doctor can also prepare better if they know what could go wrong during the procedure. Lastly, the success of hip replacement surgery depends on the after-care as well. Taking proper rest, doing exercises on time, and not stressing the newly fit joint would avoid any medical problems.

What Are The Risks Of Hip Replacement Surgery?

• Blood clots can be a risk post the hip replacement surgery. However, the doctor will give blood thinners to prevent blood clots from forming.
• In rare cases, the surgery may result in an unequal length of legs, and one leg may appear longer than the other one.
• The replacement parts may loosen, break down, or become infected if proper prevention steps are not taken.
• The situation where the ball shifts and comes out of its socket or dislocation may occur.
• Other complications include – stiffness, bleeding, fracture, and blood vessel and nerve injury.

What Happens During Hip Replacement Surgery?

The doctor may choose to perform traditional or minimally invasive surgery. In the traditional hip replacement surgery, the patient is given general anesthesia to put them into a temporary sleep so that they do not feel any pain. They may also be given a spinal anesthetic to numb only some parts.

• First, the patient is made to remove clothing and wear the given gown. An intravenous may be fixed in their hand.
• The patient will be put on the operating table.
• Then, a urinary catheter can be inserted.
• The surgeon will then clean the site and make an incision in the area.
• They will then remove the damaged parts and replace them with prostheses or artificial parts.
• After that, the incision will be stitched and covered by a sterile dressing or bandage.

What Happens After Your Surgery?

After the surgery is completed, the patient is taken to a recovery room where they are watched. One the pulse, breathing, and blood pressure are stable and the patient is alert, they are taken to their hospital room. The patient may be asked to stay in the hospital for a few days after the surgery.
Soon after the surgery, a physiotherapist will meet the patient and plan the exercise rehabilitation program for the patient. During this, the patient is given medication to control the pain.
Once the patient’s condition is stable and the doctor feels there are no complications, the patient will be discharged from the hospital. The patient will then be required to carry out physical therapy in order to regain muscle strength as well as a good range of motion.

What Will Recovery Be Like For The Patient After Surgery?

Just after the surgery, the movements of the patient will be restricted and so, a drainage tube may be placed in the bladder to help the patient pass urine without going to the bathroom. The patient will have to stay in the bed with a special cushion between their legs for keeping the new join in place.
Initially, the only time the patient will move would be in the presence of a physiotherapist. Eventually, the patient will be allowed to use a cane, walker or crutches to walk. Additionally, the patient will have to perform physical exercises as directed by the physiotherapist to regain mobility. The patient may be asked to perform these exercises for several months after the surgery.

What Activities Should I Avoid After Hip Replacement Surgery?

• Pivoting or twisting on involved leg must be avoided for anywhere from 6-12 months after the hip replacement surgery.
• Also, the patient should avoid crossing the involved leg after the body’s midline as well as turn the led inward. The patient should also avoid bending the hip after 9- degrees, including bending forward, squatting.
• The patient may be asked to avoid driving for several weeks after the surgery.
• The patient may be asked to avoid playing certain sports as well as performing strenuous activities.
• If the patient lives alone, they are advised to call a friend or family member to carry out household chores.
• Initially, after the surgery, the patient should not move around a lot as well as without any support. The patient should avoid falling at all costs.

What You Should Do at Home After Hip Replacement Surgery?

Once the patient comes back to their home after the surgery, they must keep the area clean and dry. The patient must also follow all the specific bathing instructions given to them. Also Certain house changes may be made to help the patient during recovery, such as –

• Putting shower bench or chair
• Installing proper handrails in the stairs
• Placing a raised toilet seat
• Fixing safety handrails in the bath or shower
• Using firm pillows and stable chair to provide maximum support to the surgical area

Hip Replacement Surgery Cost in India

The cost of hip replacement surgery in India is only a fraction of what Western countries cost. Even with extra costs like lodging, travelling, visa fees, etc., this surgery is significantly cheaper in India. The cost of surgery is affected by several factors like –

• Surgeon’s experience
• Total stay in the hospital
• Quality and type of implant used
• Type of hospital and room preferred
• Cost of medicine, other consumables
• Costs of physical therapy and rehabilitation

On average, medical tourist can save 50-70% of the amount they would spend on hip replacement surgeries in their own countries. Even at the best hospitals and under the supervision of highly experienced doctors in India, the cost does not go above $6000, which is $33,000
less than what a similar surgery would cost in the U.S.

Top Surgeons For Hip Replacement Surgery In India

In India, the best and the most experienced hip replacement surgeons, anesthetic teams, and other staff work in the Shalby Hospitals located in various cities in the country. These hospitals have top-notch facilities with state-of-the-art types of machinery and technologies to offer maximum satisfaction, comfort, and convenience to the patients during their difficult times. You will find a full range of Pathology and Microbiology, Radiology and Imaging, and hip and knee implants here, which are conducted under the supervision of expert professionals with notable academic histories.

Conclusion

Hip replacement surgery is crucial if you are experiencing immense discomfort and pain in performing your everyday activities, or have suffered from traumatic injury. The procedure is not risky, and with proper care and supervision, it can be performed successfully.

Read about Everything you should know about Hip Replacement Surgery