Answering 5 FAQs about Hip Replacement Surgery

With every major decision, especially when it involves your health, you should learn as much as you can about the basics of what you are getting into. This certainly applies to something as important as hip replacement surgery, also known as hip arthroplasty. In this blog post, we answer five frequently asked questions about hip replacement surgery. Read on.

1. Who Should Have Hip Replacement Surgery?

When the hip joint wears down as time passes, commonly as a result of osteoarthritis, it may be time to consult with a hip replacement surgeon. Joint replacement surgery may also be considered if the joint is damaged by an inflammatory disease called rheumatoid arthritis, or avascular necrosis, which is the loss of bone from insufficient blood supply.

Read Related: Answering Commonly Asked Questions about Hip Replacement Surgery

Your doctor may suggest other, temporary treatments before total hip replacement surgery, such as using walking support in combination with physical therapy and medication. If your pain persists and your inability to function is greatly reduced, the doctor will usually use X-rays to determine the level of joint damage. The goal of joint replacement surgery is the reduce pain and increase range of motion associated with the joint.

2. Are There Alte atives to Hip Replacement?

As just mentioned, your doctor may try preliminary treatment and methods, such as an exercise program which can help build muscle and maintain an ideal bodyweight. If the damage to the joint isn’t severe, this can relieve pain and may strengthen the muscles so your joint is in a better position. It may also be possible to deal with NSAIDS (non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications.

Occasionally, but in a few cases, the joint surgeon may choose to prescribe prednisone or cortisone (corticosteroids). These are effective in reducing inflammation and may be used to deal with rheumatoid arthritis. It’s important to discuss this with your doctor because continued use may actually further damage the joint bones.

3. What’s Involved in Hip Replacement Surgery?

Obviously, you don’t have to be an expert in the details of this surgery, but you might want to know more about total replacement and minimally invasive hip replacement. The hip joint is the point at which the upper end of the femur (leg bone) meets the socket structure (acetabulum). Because this is a ball-and-socket structure, the hip joint allows a great range of movement.

During surgery, diseased bone and cartilage are removed, leaving the healthy parts in place. The “ball” head of the femur and the “socket” are replaced with artificial parts. This restores the natural motion of the original joint, in a matter of about two to three hours of surgery.

4. What to Expect Right After the Surgery?

Your medical professionals will allow for limited movement immediately following the surgery. When in bed, your hip typically will be braced with a device specially designed to hold your hip in the right position, or with pillows, some cases. You could receive intravenous fluids to replace those lost during surgery, and the incision area may be drained with a tube as well.

You may also have a catheter to drain urine and could be prescribed pain medications. You will begin learning exercises to help your recovery. Some patients will be able to return home after only a day or two in the hospital though full recovery takes betwee 3 and 6 months.

5. Are There Possible Complications?

Out of the 100,000+ hip replacements performed each year, less tha 10 percent require follow-up surgery or involve complications; thanks to new technology and techniques. Most problems are caused by excessive activity too soon after surgery, though there may be some inflammation due to reaction to the artificial parts.

Conclusion

You should definitely consult a joint surgeon if you or someone you know experiences consistent persistent hip-joint pain. A spine and orthopedic center referral line can connect you with a number of orthopedic surgeons specialized in treating various health issues. Your physician will work with you to reduce inflammation and pain and determine if you’re a candidate for hip replacement surgery. To consult an experienced hip replacement specialist, simply contact a trusted physician referral center in your area.<