13 Things to Know Before Your Hip Replacement

Hip replacement surgery is a clinical treatment procedure which is mostly recommended to patients struggling with debilitating hip pain. Orthopedic surgeons remove and replace the impaired hip joint with a prosthetic joint often prepared from plastic or metal components. According to reports, the number of patients undergoing hip joint replacement has significantly increased over the past two decades.

13 Important Things to Know Before Opting For Hip Replacement Surgery

The following list exhibits some important facts about this hip joint surgery that every patient must know prior commencing it.

1. Effective Surgery For Disabling Hip Pain - Hip replacement surgery can prove to be the best solution when hip pain starts to affect patient’s quality of life. An artificial hip can help support patient’s body and provide a better range of motion.
2. Failure of Other Treatment Procedures - In most instances, hip pain can be efficiently treated with painkillers and physical therapy. However, if the pain persists despite these treatment procedures, then patients may opt for a surgery.
3. Osteoarthritis & Severe Hip Fractures - Arthritis is one of the most common causes of disabling hip condition. This progressive disease can restrict patients from performing routine tasks like climbing stairs, walking, and running and may lead to instability of hip. Apart from this, severe hip fractures can also deteriorate patient’s hip condition. Such patients must consult a well-experienced orthopedic surgeon to know whether they are suitable candidates for a hip replacement surgery.
4. Not Just For Seniors - Majority of people believe that hip replacement surgery is a feasible medical solution for aged people only. However, this is not true. Even younger patients battling intense hip pain and inflammation can undergo this hip joint surgery.
5. Choosing The Right Orthopedic Surgeon - This is the most crucial step which can help patients avail best beneficial results following a hip replacement procedure. Patients should prefer a well-qualified as well as an experienced hip specialist or orthopedic surgeon who has the potential to bring the desired outcomes.

6. Select The Prosthesis Wisely - Hip replacement surgery cost mainly depends on the type of component used. Patients must discuss regarding the prosthesis material with respective surgeons prior to surgery. Some artificial hip components are not durable (do not have long-life). In such cases, patients may have to undergo a hip revision surgery after a short interval. Therefore, they should choose a material wisely which can help in maintaining long-term results.

1. Hip Surgery Approach - It has been observed that muscle damage is relatively less with anterior surgical approach. It is also known to provide a faster recovery as compared to other approaches. Patients should ask their surgeons and decide the treatment procedure.
2. One Hip At a Time - When both the hips become damaged and deteriorated then patients should not replace both of them at the same instant. Otherwise, it can result in complications like clotting of blood and severe infection.
3. Understanding The Surgical Procedure - Patients should be aware of the entire treatment procedure along with its potential risks & complications. They must understand everything prior signing the consent form.
4. Assistive Devices - Patients will not be able to walk by themselves till they recover fully. Therefore, they should take the help of assistive devices like crutches or walker for some months to avoid any post-surgical problem.
5. Healing Phase And Recovery - Patients need to be careful during the healing phase following hip replacement surgery. They should avoid doing any vigorous physical activity until the time they recover completely. They should arrange a caregiver to help them during recovery period.
6. Total Recovery Time - In most instances, a hip replacement surgery requires eight to ten weeks of time span for a complete recovery. Physical therapy and intake of proper medications can help patients recover faster.
7. Warranty - Generally, hip prosthesis can last up to 15 – 20 years. Patients will require undergoing a revision hip joint surgery after deterioration of previous artificial hip joint.

A hip replacement surgery yields many benefits and can considerably help maximize patient’s quality of life. One must live a healthy lifestyle to maintain long-term success of this hip joint surgery.