Hip replacement

What is Total Hip Replacement?

The hip is one of the body's largest joints. The hip joint is like a ball and socket joint. The ball is formed by the top of the thigh bone (femur) and the socket is formed by some part of the pelvis. Usually, the surfaces of the bones are covered with a smooth cushion-like coating (cartilage). A thin tissue called the synovial membrane surrounds the hip joint. In a healthy hip, this membrane makes a small amount of fluid that lubricates the cartilage and eliminates almost all friction during hip movement and the bands of tissue called ligaments (the hip capsule) connect the ball to the socket and provide stability to the joint. Over time, the cartilage can wear away, causing pain, stiffness, and discomfort in moving. The solution is Hip Replacement or Hip Arthroplasty, which is a surgical procedure where the worn-out surfaces of the hip are replaced with a prosthesis. Hip replacement can relieve or eliminate pain, improve mobility, and help you regain your joyful life

Types of Hip Replacement Surgeries:

Total Hip Replacement Surgery

Total hip replacement is done for arthritic hip where socket as well as femoral head is damaged, hence both parts of the joint are replaced.

Hemi Hip Replacement Surgery

In this only femoral head part is replaced. This is usually done in elderly patients with fractures.

Revision Hip Replacement

The artificial joint has its life and on average it is 20 to 25 years. If you look after with all precautions it may last longer. Due to wear and tear of the artificial joint either one or both parts of the joint which have been replaced previously may need to be changed.

The procedure of Hip Replacement Surgery:

You are most likely to be hospitalised on the day of the surgery or previous night.
Your medical check-up will be done to ensure you can go under the surgery.
The first step involves giving anesthesia. This is important as this ensures that the patient does not feel any discomfort or pain during the surgery.
The doctor will then make an incision along the hip and reach the hip joint.
Damaged ball and socket are replaced with artificial prosthesis by using cement or other special material.
The femoral head is used in artificial joint can be metal or ceramic.
The muscles are re-attached, and the incision is closed.

Patients who need Hip Replacement Surgery

The eligible candidates for this surgery suffer from moderate to extreme arthritis pain in the hip. The patients who are unable to do daily living activities are the candidates for surgery.

Climbing stairs, bending and even walking is difficult
Pain gets moderate to severe even while resting
Physical therapy, walking supports, and anti-inflammatory drugs are not relieving pain adequately
Hip stiffness makes it difficult to lift or move leg

Most common condition responsible for arthritic hip is osteonecrosis, commonly called as AVN which means the part of the ball bone dies due to poor blood supply. The other conditions are rheumatoid arthritis, failed fractures, fresh fractures (elderly patients) and degenerative arthritic hips

What are the complications of Total Hip Replacement

The total hip joint replacement complication rate is very low. Below are some of the conditions that can limit or prolong full recovery.

Blood clots in pelvis or leg veins.
Infection may happen in the wound or near the prosthesis.
Dislocation, or the situation where the ball shifts and comes out of its socket.
During the surgery a bone can break, or nerves and blood vessels around the joints can be damaged.
In extremely rare cases minor inequality in limb length happens.