Hip replacement surgery is one of the most common types of joint surgeries performed in the United States. It’s recommended for patients with hip conditions that conservative options couldn’t treat. You should familiarize yourself with the procedure before you undergo it. Here’s what you need to know about hip surgery.
What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery, also called hip arthroplasty, is an inpatient procedure done to replace the damaged part of a joint. The hip joint includes the thigh bone and pelvis, which form a ball and socket joint. Your hip surgeon will use an artificial joint implant made of metal, plastic, or ceramic to replace the damaged one. There are two types of hip replacement surgery:
- Total hip arthroplasty, which replaces both the joint’s ball and socket
- Partial hip arthroplasty, which replaces only the ball part
Patients with a degenerative joint disease like arthritis are usually recommended total hip replacement. It’s the more common type of arthroplasty. Partial hip replacement is often recommended for patients with joint fractures.
Your prosthesis may show signs of wear and tear over time, especially if you’re physically active. Most artificial joints last for around 20 years, but yours can last longer if you don’t engage in high-intensity activities. If you damage the prosthesis due to an injury, accident, or wear and tear, you can undergo a procedure to have it repaired.
What Conditions Benefit From Hip Arthroplasty?
Hip arthroplasty benefits patients who have tried other conservative treatment methods but have not seen improvement. Your healthcare provider may recommend it if your pain:
- Is crippling and persists over time
- Worsens with walking or ascending and descending stairs
- Comes with stiffness of the hip joint
- Is accompanied by immobility
- Makes it impossible for you to sleep
- Keeps you from playing sports, going to work, or enjoying time with your loved ones
Aside from these symptoms, the procedure is commonly recommended for patients with degenerative diseases or joint damage. Some examples include:
- Osteoarthritis or wear and tear of hip cartilage that commonly occurs from breakdown over time
- Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that causes your immune system to attack joint tissues
- Hip fracture or breaking of one or more parts of the hip joint
- Osteonecrosis/avascular necrosis or the death of bone tissue due to insufficient blood supply to the hip joint
What Are The Benefits Of Hip Replacement?
Hip replacement can improve your quality of life by relieving pain, swelling, and joint stiffness caused by disease or injury. The procedure can also help promote recovery and restore the mobility and function of your joint. If you are experiencing difficulty moving, hip arthroplasty can help you regain lost strength and movement.
What Are The Risks Of Hip Replacement?
Like other surgical procedures, hip replacement surgery carries risks like infections, bleeding, and swelling of the operative area. Hip arthroplasty can sometimes cause injury to nearby nerves if complications arise during surgery. A few patients have reported cases of fracture or dislocation of the hip following their operation. These cases usually occur when an artificial joint becomes worn years after replacement surgery.
Other complications may arise following the operation, such as:
- Fever
- Lasting redness and swelling
- Discharge from the incision site
- Severe pain in the joint
If you experience any of the above, contact your healthcare provider immediately. You may be experiencing serious complications and need prompt medical care.
What Is Recovery Like?
As soon as your condition is stabilized, your hip surgeon may recommend you for discharge. Recovery will include doing stretches and physical therapy to help regain lost strength and promote full healing. Your healthcare provider will also give you comprehensive instructions on post-op care that you will need to follow carefully.
Recovery time varies by person, but generally, it takes a few months before you become able to perform high-intensity activities again. You have to take things slowly, so you can help your body adjust to your new joint and avoid injury. Your healthcare provider and physical therapist will guide you along the way to help you make a full recovery.
Hip Surgeons In Hartford And Tolland Counties, CT & Springfield, MA
Hip problems can be disruptive to your everyday life, because they cause pain, swelling, and difficulty in moving. Conservative options may help in some cases, but others may require surgery. Hip replacement can help relieve joint pain and restore function and mobility with implants made from strong materials. They can improve your quality of life and help you get back on track. If you experience complications, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
If you’re looking for a hip surgeon in Connecticut or Massachusetts, look no further than Advanced Orthopedics New England. We have a team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons who can give you the comprehensive care you deserve. If you want to schedule an appointment or learn more about our services, you can call our friendly staff at (860) 728-6740.
We look forward to serving you at one of our five convenient locations!
