Thousands of hip replacement surgeries performed in the US annually help patients recover the mobility and independent, pain-free lives they desire. If you have advanced osteoarthritis in your hip joint or have suffered an injury, such as a fracture from a fall or auto accident, you and your orthopedic specialist may explore the benefits of hip replacement surgery or arthroplasty.
Let’s talk about what to expect from hip replacement surgery and where you can go in Springfield, MA, for this operative treatment.
What Does Hip Replacement Surgery Do?
Hip replacement surgery removes the diseased or damaged portions of the hip joint and installs custom-fitted plastic and metal components. The affected parts of the hip are the acetabulum, socket, and the femoral head, or the ball-like top of the thigh bone. This joint bears the total body weight and rotates in a full 360 degrees of motion when healthy.
Patients seeing orthopedic surgeons for a hip evaluation undergo a physical examination and review of medical history and digital imaging to determine if surgery would help relieve pain, stiffness, and poor mobility symptoms. Typically, other non-operative interventions, such as pain meds, physical therapy, and assistive devices, are tried first, but surgery is the best option when non-invasive treatments prove unfruitful..
Fortunately, several traditional and innovative hip replacements, and anterior arthroplasty are available. Anterior joint replacement delivers smaller incisions and replacement of one or both joint surfaces. Hospital stays and recovery are quicker with this less invasive orthopedic procedure.
What You Can Expect from Hip Replacement Surgery
Practically speaking, you can expect several things after your hip arthroplasty. They include:
- A hospital stay (shorter for the less invasive surgeries)
- Walker or crutches as your physician and physical therapist advises
- No driving for at least four to six weeks
- A program of physical therapy to include balance training and strengthening exercises
- Return to work as your physician advises
The Arthritis Foundation reports that overall, hip arthroplasty patients consider their results to be well worth going through the procedure, the recovery, and must-have rehabilitation afterward. Pain–the real driving force behind most joint replacement procedures–reduces significantly, and patients experience less fatigue, increased efficiency and safety during ambulation, and less reliance on pain medications.
However, most hip replacement patients do need to take care:
- Not to bend at the hip joint beyond 90 degrees
- Not to cross the legs, either at the knee or ankle
- Climbing stairs
- Entering and exiting a motor vehicle
Also, hard-impact activities, such as jogging, are unwise; however, lighter aerobic activities, such as walking, swimming, and cycling, are encouraged with tolerance.
Can I Receive Hip Replacement Surgery Near Me?
For exceptional diagnostic and surgical skills and the care, you need to recover well, see the experts at Advanced Orthopedics New England. Our hip replacement physicians, Dr. Matthew Grosso and Dr. Daryle Ruarck will customize a treatment plan to maximize your hip function and minimize discomfort.
Call us today to arrange a consultation: (860) 728-6780. We have locations in Springfield, MA, and also in Hartford County, CT.
