During a hip replacement surgery (also called hip arthroplasty), your surgeon works to remove parts of your hip joint that have been damaged, then replaces them with new, artificial parts.
Most of the time, hip replacement surgery in Mumbai is performed on one side of the hip (unilateral). But sometimes, hip replacements are done on both sides of the hip (bilateral).
Double hip replacements are less common than unilateral hip replacements. And there are different ways that a double hip replacement can be performed.
Why it’s done
Conditions that can damage the hip joint, sometimes making hip replacement surgery necessary, include:
- Osteoarthritis. Commonly known as wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis damages the slick cartilage that covers the ends of bones and helps joints move smoothly.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. Caused by an overactive immune system, rheumatoid arthritis produces a type of inflammation that can erode cartilage and occasionally underlying bone, resulting in damaged and deformed joints.
- Osteonecrosis. If there isn’t enough blood supplied to the ball portion of the hip joint, such as might result from a dislocation or fracture, the bone might collapse and deform.
Hip replacement may be an option if hip pain:
- Persists, despite pain medication
- Worsens with walking, even with a cane or walker
- Interferes with sleep
- Affects the ability to walk up or down stairs
- Makes it difficult to rise from a seated position.
How do I prepare for a double hip replacement?
Prior to your surgery, you’ll meet with your orthopaedic surgeon. During this appointment, they’ll:
- Evaluate your medical history.
- Take note of any medications you’re taking and advise you as to whether you need to stop taking them before your procedure.
- Examine your hip joints with imaging tests like X-rays.
- Order laboratory tests, such as blood and urine tests, to assess your overall health before surgery.
- Answer any questions or concerns that you may have about preparation, the procedure itself, or recovery.
Other important things to consider as you prepare for your double hip replacement include:
- Smoking. Smoking can interfere with the healing process. If you do smoke, try to cut back or quit. Talk to your doctor about ways to help quit smoking.
- Transportation. Make sure to arrange for transportation to and from the hospital. Note the dates of your follow-up appointments and arrange transportation for those as well.
- Exercise. Working to strengthen your upper body, core, and legs prior to surgery can aid in recovery. Additionally, if you have overweight, losing weight can help reduce stress on your joints during the recovery process.
- Meals. It may be helpful to prepare and freeze meals prior to your surgery so that you have them on hand when you arrive home.
- Home preparation. Designate an area where you’ll spend most of your recovery time, making sure that things you may need are within arm’s reach. Acquire a comfortable chair that provides firm support for your legs, back, and arms.
- Assistive devices. Consider asking about assistive devices that may be helpful with your daily activities as you recover, including handrails for stairways, a safety bar in your shower, or a raised toilet seat.
- Household help. You’ll likely need additional help around the house during recovery. Talk to someone you trust about helping out with activities like cleaning, laundry, and cooking.
Your orthopaedic surgeon will give you more specific instructions on things to do and things to avoid prior to your procedure. Be sure to follow their instructions carefully.
How does the double hip replacement procedure work?
Hip replacement procedures are performed using anaesthesia. Two different types may be used:
- General anaesthesia. This type of anaesthesia will cause you to go to sleep while your procedure is performed.
- Nerve block. A nerve block numbs your body from the waist down. You’ll be awake during the procedure but may be given a sedative to help you relax.
The specific technique that your orthopaedic surgeon in Thane uses may vary. Generally speaking, the following steps occur during a total hip replacement:
- An incision is made at the front or side of your hip.
- The orthopaedic surgeon works to remove the damaged tissue from the joint, including the removal of the upper part of your thighbone that contains the ball part of your hip joint.
- A cup-shaped implant is placed into the socket part of your hip joint.
- A second implant is fitted to replace the ball portion of the joint at the top of your thighbone, which consists of a smooth ball attached to a shaft.
- The incision is closed with sutures or staples.
The length of the procedure depends on the type that you’re having.
In a staged procedure, only one joint is replaced at a time. This typically takes 1 to 2 hours. Having a simultaneous procedure may take twice as long.
