What is Hip Replacement?

Total hip replacement surgery is a procedure that can help people with severe hip damage and chronic hip pain. Hip replacement operations have successful outcomes in terms of restoring pain free living. People with prosthetic hips can walk without an aid, play non-impact sports and function normally.

A Good Candidate for Hip Replacement

Good candidates for hip replacement surgery are people with severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or other ailments, and also people who tried less invasive treatments but were unsuccessful. Depending on the patient’s age and the severity of the pain, the doctor may recommend physical therapy and the use of a crutch before recommending a hip replacement surgery.

Hip Replacement Procedure

During hip replacement operation, an incision is made on the outer aspect of the hip, 4-6 inches down the length of the leg. The top end of the thigh bone is removed; a ball attached to a stem is placed into it. The hip socket is hollowed out to make a shallow cup and an artificial socket is located. The artificial part of the thigh bone can then fit into the socket. The prosthetic is typically made from cobalt chrome and titanium.

Risks and Side Effects of Hip Replacement

Hip Replacement surgery risks and side effects can include pain in the hip joint for several weeks and patients may experience some temporary pain and swelling in the knee and ankle.

Recovery from Hip Replacement

One common complaint after total hip replacement is leg length discrepancy; in due course the patient feels that the leg that was operated on is longer than the other. There are two kinds of Leg Length Discrepancy: Apparent and True. While recovering from hip replacement surgery, the patient may experience one, or both. It is significant to distinguish true leg length discrepancy from apparent leg length discrepancy. Apparent discrepancy is due to a variability of the hip, allowing the proximal femur to migrate proximally, or due an abduction contracture of the hip that causes pelvic obliquity; one hip is higher than the other. When the patient stands up, it gives the impression of leg length discrepancy, when the problem is actually in the hip.

Results of Hip Replacement

The stitches from the incision can be removed about 2 weeks after the operation. The tissues around the hip will take 2-3 months to heal, during which time you should be careful not to exert too much stress on the leg.

If you pass through metal detectors at airports or other secure location, the metal properties of the prosthesis may be detected. Many hospitals issue cards or letters that you can show to the authorities.