Total Hip Replacement Surgery
Is hip pain making it hard to walk, sit, or even sleep? If so, Total Hip Replacement (THR), also known as hip replacement surgery, might be a solution to consider. Let's understand this surgery in simple terms.
In hip replacement surgery, the damaged parts of your hip joint
are replaced with artificial parts, called a prosthesis. The goal of this surgery is
to relieve pain and improve your ability to move your hip.
Everything You Wanted to Know about
Hip Joint Replacement Surgery
These are the things every person should know about Hip replacement surgeries.
After reading this, if you still have any further questions, feel free to ask your Doctor.
Hip Joint Structure
Your hip is a major joint in your body that allows you to move your leg forward, backward, and sideways, and also helps you rotate your leg. It's a "ball-and-socket" joint, made up of two main parts:
- Femoral Head (Ball): The rounded top of your thigh bone (femur) that fits into the hip socket.
- Acetabulum (Socket): A cup-shaped part of your pelvic bone that the femoral head fits into.
These bones are covered with a smooth tissue called Cartilage, which helps them glide easily against each other during movement. Strong tissues called Ligaments surround the joint, providing stability.
Problems the Hip Joint Faces
Like any joint, the hip can develop problems over time or due to injuries. These can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty in movement. Some common issues include:
Osteoarthritis: The most common type of arthritis, where the cartilage in the hip wears away.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and damage to the hip joint.
Osteonecrosis (Avascular Necrosis): A condition where the blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, leading to bone damage.
Hip Fractures: Breaks in the hip bone, often due to falls, especially in older adults.
Other Conditions: Such as hip dysplasia or tumors.
Wear & Tear of the Hip Joint
The hip joint can wear out over time due to continuous use. Several factors can speed up this process:
Age: Cartilage can thin and wear down naturally as we age.
Overuse: Repeated stress on the hip joint from certain activities or jobs.
Injuries: Past hip injuries can damage the cartilage and lead to earlier wear and tear.
Weight: Excess body weight puts more pressure on the hip joint.
Genetics: Some people may be more prone to developing hip problems due to their family history.
Hip Replacement Surgery
What Happens in Hip Replacement Surgery?
In hip replacement surgery, the damaged parts of your hip joint are replaced with artificial parts, called a prosthesis. Here’s a general idea of what happens:
Preparation: Before surgery, your doctor will assess your overall health and explain the procedure to you.
Anesthesia: You'll receive medication to block pain, either by making you sleep (general anesthesia) or numbing the lower part of your body (regional anesthesia).
Incision: The surgeon makes a cut (incision) on your hip to access the joint. The location of the cut depends on the surgical approach.
Removing Damaged Parts: The damaged femoral head is removed, and the acetabulum is prepared by removing any damaged cartilage.
Inserting the Prosthesis:
A metal stem is inserted into the top of your thigh bone (femur). A metal or ceramic ball is then attached to this stem to replace the damaged femoral head.
A metal socket (cup) is placed into your hip bone (pelvis) to replace the damaged acetabulum. A plastic, ceramic, or metal liner is inserted inside this socket to allow for smooth movement with the new ball.
Closing the Incision: The cut on your hip is closed with stitches or staples.
The goal of this surgery is to relieve pain and improve your ability to move your hip.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Total Hip Replacement Surgery
It's usually recommended to relieve severe hip pain that limits daily activities like walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs, and when other treatments haven't helped.
Hip replacement surgery typically takes about 1 to 2 hours.
Most people stay in the hospital for a few days (maybe 1 to 4 days) after surgery, depending on their recovery.
Yes, you will have some pain, but it will be managed with pain medication. The pain will gradually decrease as you heal.
You will usually start walking with assistance (like a walker or crutches) within a day or two after surgery, guided by physical therapists.
Recovery involves physical therapy to regain strength and movement in your hip. It can take several weeks to a few months to fully recover.
Most hip replacements last for 15 to 20 years or even longer, depending on factors like your activity level and weight.
Like any surgery, there are risks, including infection, blood clots, dislocation of the new hip, and nerve damage. Your surgeon will discuss these with you.
The cost can vary depending on the hospital, the type of implant used, and other factors. It's best to discuss this with the hospital and your doctor's office.
Your doctor will evaluate your hip pain, range of motion, X-rays, and overall health to determine if hip replacement is the right option for you.