During a total hip replacement surgery, a doctor removes the damaged parts of the hip joint and replaces them with metal and very hard plastic. This artificial joint (prosthesis) relieves pain and improves function. If your hip pain interferes with your daily life and less invasive treatments haven't helped, hip replacement surgery may be the best option. The most common reason for a hip replacement is arthritis-related damage.
How to Prepare for a Surgery
People can do a number of things before hip joint replacement surgery to make daily tasks easier and their recovery faster:
• Blood work, a medical evaluation, a chest x-ray, and an electrocardiogram, depending on age and health condition
• If you lose some blood during hip replacement surgery, you may require a blood transfusion. As a result, you might want to think about donating blood before the procedure.
• Determine what to anticipate. Doctors should be questioned about patient-specific information.
• When you return home from the hospital, arrange for housekeeping assistance for a week or two.
• Plan your transportation to the hospital. Create a "recovery station" at home. Place the TV remote, radio, phone, medicine, tissues, trash can, a pitcher of water, and a glass of water near where you will spend the most time recovering.
• Keep items you use daily at arm's length to avoid bending or stretching.
• Stock up on kitchen essentials and prepare food ahead of time, such as simple casseroles and soups to reheat and serve.
Hip Replacement Surgery Methods
According to Dr. Vikas Mehra, the best hip replacement surgeon in Chandigarh, surgery can be performed using traditional or minimally invasive methods. The primary distinction between the two procedures is the size of the cut. Standard hip replacement surgery employs general anesthesia to relax the patient's muscles and induce a brief coma. This will keep you from feeling pain or being aware of what is happening during surgery. Instead of pain medication, a spinal anesthetic may be used. Then, cut along the side of the hip and move the muscles attached to the top of the thigh bone to reveal the hip joint. The ball part of the joint is then cut out of the thighbone. Then, a prosthetic joint is attached to the thighbone with cement or a unique material that allows the remaining bone to fuse with the new joint. According to a hip replacement surgeon, the surface of the hipbone is cleaned by removing any damaged cartilage before the replacement socket is attached to the hipbone. The new thighbone ball is then inserted into the hip socket. A drain can be installed to help drain any liquids. Finally, the doctor reconnects the muscles and closes the cut.
Hip Repositioning
According to Dr. Mehra, the best ortho doctor in Chandigarh, you won't be able to move around as much right after hip joint replacement surgery.
• Pillows or a special device are typically used to keep the hip in the proper position while sleeping.
• You may be given intravenous fluids to replace fluids lost during surgery. Until you are able to go to the bathroom, a tube may be placed near the incision to drain fluid, and a catheter may be used to drain urine.
The doctor will prescribe medication to alleviate any pain or discomfort.
Therapists will give you exercises the day after surgery or, in some cases, the day of surgery to help you recover. For example, a respiratory therapist may ask you to take deep breaths, cough, or blow into a simple device that measures your lung capacity. These exercises help reduce the fluid in the lungs after surgery. You may be able to sit on the edge of your bed, stand, and walk with assistance one to four days after surgery.
While in the hospital, a physical therapist may show you how to strengthen your hip by contracting and relaxing specific muscles. Because the latest artificial hip has a smaller range of motion than a natural, healthy hip, the physical therapist will also teach you how to do simple things like sitting and bending correctly, so you don't injure your new hip.
Helpful Tips Following Hip Replacement Surgery
• Obey the doctor's orders.
• Work with a physical therapist or other medical professionals to rehab your hip.
• Carry items around the house while wearing an apron. This frees up the hands and arms for balance or crutches.
• Use a "reacher" with a long handle to turn on lights and get items out of reach.
Hip replacement Surgery Risks
Hip Replacements Surgical procedures have been performed for a long time, and surgical techniques are constantly improving. However, surgery carries a number of risks.
• Because you won't be able to move around much at first, blood clots are a major concern. Your doctor will prescribe blood thinners to help prevent blood clots.
• Infection and bleeding are potential issues, as are the risks associated with general anesthesia.
• Your leg lengths may differ after surgery.
• If you cross your legs or sit too low, the joint may slip out of place.
• Fat fragments in the bone marrow can break off, enter the bloodstream, and enter the lungs, making breathing difficult.
• Hip swelling or pressure can cause nerve damage and numbness.
• Infections
