Total Hip Replacement

Dr.Aashish Chaudhry, 4 mins read

Total Hip Replacement

At times, arthritis, fracture, or other health conditions may damage your hip. In such cases, common activities like walking, getting in and out of a chair, etc. may be uncomfortable and challenging.

In the worst case, when the patient does not find any relief even with medications, alterations in everyday activities, and the use of walking supports, one may consider hip replacement surgery.

Why is hip surgery done?

As mentioned above, some health conditions can damage the hip joint, making hip replacement surgery necessary:

Osteoarthritis: Generally known as wear-and-tear arthritis. It damages the cartilage that covers the ends of bones and strengthens joints to function smoothly.

Rheumatoid arthritis: The main reason here is due to an overactive immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis produces a type of inflammation that can decay cartilage and seldom underlying bone, ending in damaged and deformed joints.

Osteonecrosis: In case, there is not enough blood supply to the ball portion of the hip joint, it may result in a dislocation or fracture.

Consider hip replacement surgery in case of hip pain that:

• Continues despite pain medication
• Worsens with walking, even with support
• Hinders the sleep
• Hampers the ability to go up or downstairs
• is challenging to rise from a seated position

The safest and the most effective procedure to ease the pain, advance motion, and support one can get back to savoring daily activities is hip replacement surgery.

There are various types of hip surgeries:

Total Hip Replacement: This type of surgery is also called total hip arthroplasty. In this surgery, the damaged bone and cartilage are eliminated and substituted with prosthetic components. The socket is replaced with a long-lasting plastic cup that may or may not also include a titanium metal shell. The femoral head is removed and reinstated with a ball made from ceramic or a metal alloy. The ball is connected to a metal stem that is inserted into the top of the femur.

Partial hip replacement: Also known as hemiarthroplasty, is a partial hip replacement surgery that removes and replaces the ball of the hip joint. It includes substituting only one side of the hip joint, the femoral head, instead of both sides as in total hip replacement. Most commonly, this procedure is done in older patients who have fractured their hip.

Hip Resurfacing: Hip resurfacing, also known as the Birmingham Hip is a procedure where a metal cap is placed at the top of the femur and connected to a metal lining that is placed in the pelvic socket. It is an alternative to a total hip replacement with the advantage of minimal bone loss.

Most noteworthy, when a hip displacement is well-treated in the early stages, reconstructive surgery may be an option. To realign the hip and position the head of the femur, opt for reconstructive surgery. Surgical hip dislocation gives full visualization of the femoral head and acetabulum. It is indicated in children for various conditions of the femoral head and femoral head/neck junction, including fractures.

Total Hip Replacement benefits

High success rate: Total hip replacement surgery is hands-down considered one of the most successful operations. Most noteworthy, this surgery is an effective, trustworthy, and enduring way to treat many of the problems that come with severe arthritis of the hip.

Relieving your pain: An exceptional benefit of this procedure is the relief of constant pain that the patient was encountering. A hip replacement can accommodate a reduction in pain. Improved mobility and hip function: Increased mobility and hip function are the next major benefit of this procedure.

Long-lasting effect: It comprises a long-lasting approach to treating the problems that accompany severe hip arthritis.

Hip replacement surgery age limit

Though there is no specific age or weight restrictions, recommendations for surgery are based on a patient's pain and disability. Most patients who undergo total hip replacement fall between the age groups of 50 to 80 years.

Procedure for hip replacement surgery

The hip replacement surgery normally takes from 1 to 2 hours. The orthopaedic surgeon extracts the damaged cartilage and bone. Then a new metal, plastic, or ceramic implant is positioned to reconstruct the alignment and function of the hip.

Hip replacement recovery

Ordinarily, a hip replacement recovery may take around two to four weeks, but each patient is different. The recovery time depends on a few factors, including how active you were before the surgery, age, nutrition intake, pre-existing conditions, and other health and lifestyle factors.

Hip replacement surgery cost

The cost of Hip Replacement Surgery in India starts from 1.5 lakh INR. Nevertheless, the prices may vary due to patient factors, city, hospital category, etc.

Akash Healthcare is the best hospital for hip replacement surgery in Delhi. In case, you are seeking an orthopaedic, we have the best Hip Replacement surgeons.

ALSO READ: The Anatomy of Bone and Joint And their functions