Total Hip Replacement
What is Total Hip Replacement?
A total hip replacement fixes issues with the acetabulum and the femoral head, including degeneration, injury, or dysfunction. A partial hip replacement solely fixes problems with the femoral head, as opposed to a total hip replacement, which can also fix problems with the acetabulum. A lot of people get hip replacement surgery each year. It restores the proper functionality to a hip joint that has been impaired by wear and tear, a fracture, or another issue at the joint.
When to go for surgery
Hip replacement surgery is typically required when the hip joint is worn out or injured, limiting your movement and making you uncomfortable even while at rest. Osteoarthritis is the most common factor leading to hip replacement surgery. Rheumatoid arthritis is an additional illness that can harm the hip joint. Surgery is a must in the following cases:
Physical therapy and painkillers don't help anymore.
Your day-to-day activities and emotions are both impacted by hip discomfort.
Even when you're sleeping, your hip aches.
Your hip is the obvious source of your pain.
Your hip joint has been hurt.
Your hip is very arthritic.
It is challenging to move or elevate your leg when it is stiff.
You seek sustained comfort.
The Procedure
During hip replacement surgery, the surgeon replaces the damaged hip joint elements with new ones that are often made of metal, ceramic, or extremely hard plastic. This prosthetic joint (artificial joint) aids in pain relief and improved function. If hip discomfort prevents you from going about your regular business and non-surgical therapies haven't worked or are no longer efficient, total hip replacement surgery is an option. Damage from arthritis is the most frequent cause of hip replacement. An incision is made above the hip through the layers of tissue. This leaves good bone intact while removing diseased, damaged, and cartilage. The surgeon replaces the socket by inserting it into the pelvic bone. A replacement ball is placed on top of a metal stem that is inserted into the top of the thigh-bone.
Post Surgery Care
Precautions and care may vary based on your doctor's surgical method and preferences. Your doctor and physical therapist will give you a list of dos and don'ts to keep in mind with your new hip. These help to guarantee appropriate healing.
You may need to get help with bathing to keep the surgical wound site dry until it has thoroughly healed, and any staples are removed.
After surgery, there may be some swelling; elevate your leg slightly and apply ice to lessen it.
Make sure to have the best diet in terms of nutrition to gain strength back. Have timely supplements and medicines
Physiotherapy sessions are mandatory
Keep in touch with the caregiver and, in case of an emergency, call your doctor