It is a surgical process in which diseased parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced by new artificial parts. It is also known as hip replacement or arthroplasty.

SURGERY GOALS

Increase the mobility, relieve the pain, and improve hip joint function.

RISK

Risks included in hip replacement surgery:

• Dislocation: Some type of position can cause the ball of the new joint to come out of the socket in the first few months after the surgery.
• NERVE DAMAGE: Where the implant is placed, the nerves of this area can be injured (it occurs rarely). Damage to a nerve can cause weakness, numbness, or pain.
• FRACTURE: During the process of hip-replacement surgery, a healthy portion of the hip might fracture. Sometimes fractures are very small and enough to heal on their own.
• INFECTION: At the incision site and in the deeper tissue near the new hip, infection can occur. By using antibiotics, most of the infection can be treated.
• BLOOD CLOTS: After the surgery, blood clots can form in the vein of the leg, and it can be dangerous.

TREATMENT

There are four types of treatment methods:

• ARTIFICIAL JOINT: It consists of two basic parts; Highly polished, strong metal ball, and Ceramic material and sockets made of plastic. The ball attaches to the thigh bone, or femur, and the new socket attaches to the pelvis.

• UNCEMENTED AND CEMENTED PARTS: Studies show that these joints are similarly successful. The doctor prefers cemented joints for older, weaker, and less active people. Uncemented joints are mostly reserved for younger, stronger, and more active people. Disadvantage of uncemented joints; need longer recovery time and more painful recovery.

• MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY: In this surgery, the surgeon makes 1 and 2 smaller incisions between the muscles. These incisions can be done on the back and front sides of the hip. Recovery time is much shorter than in traditional surgery.

• TRADITIONAL SURGERY: In this type of surgery, the surgeon makes a 10–12-inch incision into the muscle around the hip to expose the joint. Damaged bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with an artificial joint or prosthesis.

PRECAUTION

There are some best precautions after the surgery:

• Don’t cross the legs while sitting, standing, or lying down.
• Avoid low chairs, soft chairs, stools, or sofas.
• Not to sit in the same position for more than 30 to 50 minutes.
• When lying on the side, put the pillow between the thighs.
• While resting on the bed, lie on the back side.
• Don’t drive without asking your doctor.

• Avoid dressing while standing. If your bed is stable, take a seat on the edge or on a chair.

DURATION

The treatment duration of hip replacement surgery is 2–3 hours. But the hospital is stay 4-6 days.

SUCCESS RATE

In India, the success rate of hip replacement surgery is 90–95 %.