Definition:
Hip replacement is a medical procedure applied by the surgeon to remove patient’s damaged part of the hip joint, with artificial parts. These artificial parts are known as Prosthesis and the entire operation is called Arthroplasty. Prostheses are made up of material like ceramic, plastic and metal. The need for hip replacement arises, when worn cartilage no longer acts as a cushion between ball- socket joint and roughened bones rub together causing Osteoarthritis. The following are the types of hip replacement surgeries undertaken for different kinds of hip joint problems.
- Conventional Hip Replacement Surgery
- One-Incision "Mini Hip" Surgery
- Two-Incision Surgery
- Mayo Conservative Hip Surgery
- Hip Resurfacing
The hip replacement surgery is performed by using general or spinal anaesthesia. After giving anaesthesia, the surgeon cuts over hips to expose hip joint. Firstly, thigh bone’s head is removed. After the hip socket is cleaned, a reamer is used to remove the remaining cartilage, along with arthritic bone. The new socket is then implanted and followed by insertion of metal stem in the thigh bone. Artificial components are then fixed with special cement. Finally, tendons and muscles are replaced against the bones, and the surgical cut is stitched.
Purpose:
Hip joint in our body is one of the most weight bearing joints. Hip Arthroplasty is carried out to detect and treat following hip joint related problems:
- Osteoarthritis: It is a disorder of the joints, which is caused by continuous loss of cartilage. This results in the growth of cysts and bony spurs at the fringe of the joints. It is among the most common causes of disability, resulting from limitations of the joint movement.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: It is a persistent and autoimmune disease causing soreness and deformity of the joints. Autoimmune is a disorder, in which tissue destruction occurs as a result of the person’s immune system attacking the body’s own cells. As a result of Rheumatoid Arthritis, other problems like swelling of blood vessels, bumps in body, lung disease and osteoporosis can also develop.
- Hip Fracture: It is a traumatic situation resulting in fracture due to accident, fall or any other injury.
The treatment is aimed at improve joint movement, increase the strength of the joints, reduce disabling effects of the disease and relieve extreme pain.
Precautions:
Hip replacement requires the patient to avoid bending more than 90 degree and entails them to start walking as early as possible after the surgery. The patient should also not cross the legs at ankles or knees, while lying, standing or sitting. Another point to note is that the patient should do ankle exercises to avoid the formation of blood clots.
Pre and Post Care:
Before going for a hip replacement, the patients should take care that they are not over-weight or have any hip infection or any nerve disease affecting hip. In order to make sure that the patient is fit for operation, a complete physical examination including x-rays is carried out by the physician on patient’s admission to the hospital. Certain amount of patient’s blood is taken out and stored for any further transfusions. The patient might be given medicines for making blood thinner so to avoid blood clots. Before undergoing surgery, a patient is asked to stop smoking for a faster healing process.
After the surgery, it is recommended that the patient should not twist his body towards the operated leg while turning. Another point is that the patient should avoid picking heavy objects. You might also be required to do certain physical exercises for regaining the movement. There would be use of a walker or crutches for nearly 3 months. The patient is required to put a pillow between the legs while lying, so as to keep the joints in proper alignment.
Risk Factors:
Hip replacement surgery involves following risks:
- Blood clots in the legs that can even cause problem to lungs, if increase
- Dislocation of the artificial hip, due to excess movement than prescribed by physician
- Growth of extra bone causing stiffness
- Allergic reactions to anaesthesia and trouble in breathing
- Operated leg might become shorter than the other one
- Implants may move out of place, which requires another surgery
- Trouble might arouse in carrying out sports activities
Hospital Stay:
The patient is required to stay 4 to 5 days for undergoing tests and surgery. Some of you will be required to stay for a long time in a rehabilitation unit, until the mobility is improved.
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