How is a Hip Replacement Surgery Performed?
How is a Hip Replacement Surgery Performed? Hip replacement surgery helps many people each year. Doctors replace the damaged hip with an artificial joint. This new joint lets patients walk and move better. It can take away pain from things like arthritis.
Getting ready for hip replacement takes some steps. Your doctor will talk to you about these before the day of your surgery. They might ask you to stop certain meds or do tests to make sure you are healthy enough for the operation.
After getting a new hip, it’s key to rest and follow doctor’s advice for healing well. Physical therapy is part of this process too. It makes your new hip strong and helps get back on your feet faster.
Preparing for Surgery
Before hip replacement surgery, you’ll meet with your orthopedic surgeon. They will explain what the surgery involves. You will learn how it’s performed and what to expect during recovery. This talk helps you understand the whole procedure.
It’s important to get ready for surgery well in advance. Your doctor may ask for medical tests before the operation. These can include blood work or heart tests. The goal is to make sure you are fit for surgery.
Your surgeon might also ask you to stop some medications. Medications that thin your blood need special attention here. This step helps lower the risk of bleeding during hip replacement surgery.
Lastly, preparation includes arranging help at home after the procedure is done. Recovery means rest and limited movement at first. Having someone there makes this time easier and safer for you.
The Surgical Procedure
On the day of your hip replacement surgery, you’ll start with anesthesia. This may be general, putting you to sleep, or spinal, numbing the lower body. Your safety and comfort are top priorities for the orthopedic surgeon and team.
Once under anesthesia, the procedure begins. The surgeon makes a cut near your hip to reach the damaged joint. They carefully remove the damaged bone and cartilage from your hip.
Next comes fitting your new joint. The surgeon places a metal or ceramic ball into a stem that goes into your thigh bone. Then they attach it all to an artificial cup in your pelvic bone.
After placing these parts, they close up the incision with stitches or staples. Sterile dressings go over this area to keep it clean as you start recovery after surgery. Nurses move you gently to a recovery room as anesthesia wears off.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
After hip replacement surgery, recovery starts right away. In the hospital, nurses check on you often to manage pain and help with safety. They show how to move without hurting your new hip joint. You might start walking with a walker or crutches soon.
Rehabilitation exercises are key for healing well. A physical therapist works with you in the hospital first. Then they plan more therapy for when you go home. These exercises make your muscles stronger and improve movement in your new hip.
Going home includes more than just exercise though. It’s important to keep up with doctor visits too. At these, doctors check how well your hip is healing after surgery. They also answer questions about what activities are safe as you get better.
Possible Complications
Hip replacement surgery is generally safe, but like all surgeries, it has risks. Infection at the site of the surgery is one possible issue. It can happen while you’re still in the hospital or after you go home. Signs include redness, pain beyond normal levels, and fever.
Blood clots are another risk to be aware of after orthopedic surgery. They can form in leg veins and cause swelling or pain there. Sometimes a clot moves to your lungs which is very serious. Doctors give medicine to help stop clots from forming.
Dislocation of the new joint may occur if the hip ball comes out of its socket. This complication isn’t common but can happen with certain movements early on in recovery. Your physical therapist will guide you on how to avoid risky motions.
Another concern might be that one leg seems longer than the other post-surgery. While surgeons aim for equal length during procedure, slight differences may arise due to muscles or posture changes after operation.
Lastly, over time artificial hips might wear down or loosen up needing more surgery later on. Regular check- ups with your doctor keep track of how well your artificial joint holds up as years pass by after recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does hip replacement surgery take?
The procedure usually lasts between one to two hours, depending on the case.
Will I be in a lot of pain after my surgery?
Pain is normal but can be managed with medications and should lessen as you recover.
How soon can I walk after hip replacement surgery?
Many patients start walking with assistance the day of or day after their surgery.
The answers provided are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.
