Hip replacement surgery is recommended for people with advanced osteoarthritis, meaning significant deterioration of the cartilage in the hip, which makes a hip prosthesis necessary. It may also be needed due to trauma or other health issues, such as osteonecrosis.
Hip replacement surgery is known as total or partial hip arthroplasty and is considered an option when hip pain interferes with daily life and non-surgical treatments haven’t produced good results.
But what exactly is a hip prosthesis? It’s a set of components made of metal, ceramic, and plastic that replace the damaged joint or a section of it, helping to eliminate pain and improve the patient’s mobility and quality of life.
Types of Hip ProsthesesSeveral factors are considered when choosing the type of hip prosthesis, including the reason for surgery (for example, wear and tear versus a fracture), the patient’s age, bone quality, any previous surgeries, and the specific surgical approach to be used for the replacement.
Hip prostheses are classified based on the extent of joint replacement needed:
- Total hip replacement: typically used for cases of osteoarthritis and joint wear.
- Partial hip replacement: used to treat femoral fractures.
- Revision prosthesis: can be either total or partial and is used to replace an existing prosthesis due to a specific issue.
- Hip resurfacing: intended for younger patients with good bone quality and a much longer life expectancy.
What Does Hip Replacement Surgery Involve?Once the need for hip replacement surgery has been confirmed, the patient will undergo various tests as directed by their doctor to determine whether their overall health is suitable for this procedure.
The surgical procedure is typically quick (one to two hours), during which the orthopedic surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage and places the previously selected implant.
Both the size of the incision and the exact recovery time will vary from case to case, depending on factors such as the patient’s health prior to surgery.
Recovery After Hip Replacement SurgeryRecovery after hip replacement surgery varies from person to person, generally taking around three months; however, patients will continue to see improvement throughout the first year.
After surgery, patients typically experience reduced pain, sometimes to the point of elimination, along with a greater range of motion. That said, certain lifelong restrictions will need to be maintained, such as avoiding specific movements, sitting very low, squatting, and so on, to prevent complications or the need for future surgery.
At ABC Medical Center’s Hip Prosthesis and Surgery area, we can provide you with specialized care and answer your questions about hip replacement. Contact us!
