Also called hip arthroplasty, hip replacement surgery is an invasive medical procedure that replaces the worn-out joint with an artificial implant made of ceramic, plastic, or metal. It is required when non-invasive methods, such as medical or physical therapy, have failed to provide relief.
If you are diagnosed with arthritis or have damaged your hip joint from an accident, see a hip replacement surgeon in Mulund Mumbai to discuss your treatment options. Keep reading to learn more about what happens during hip replacement.
Preparing for the Surgery
Before the surgery, your doctor will conduct a thorough medical examination to determine the condition of the affected joint. They will examine your hip function to figure out the exact level of damage. You must also get a few tests, like bloodwork, X-rays, CT Scan, MRI, and urinalysis, done prior to the replacement procedure.
Here are a few crucial steps to prepare yourself for the surgery:
- Try to lose weight if you are overweight or obese
- Quit smoking
- Get help for your household chores for the first few weeks after surgery
- Ask a friend or family to arrange for your transportation
The Surgical Procedure
Depending on the complexity of the procedure and your health, you will be given local or general anesthesia. The doctor will make one or more incisions around the affected hip joint and remove the worn-out portions. They will then replace the ball joint with a new ball made of plastic, metal, or ceramic. Once this is done, the surgeon will close the incision.
Although the standard procedure is most common for total hip replacement surgery in Mulund Mumbai, surgeons are recently focusing more on the minimally invasive procedure, in which several small cuts are made around the affected joint instead of one large incision. Robot-assisted hip replacement has also become a hot topic lately.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
The effect of anesthesia will last a few hours. The doctor will give you medication to relieve pain post-operation. Depending on how quickly your body heals, you must stay in the hospital for 1-2 days or longer. Your vitals will be monitored for the first few hours following the surgery.
Physical therapy starts a day after the surgery and lasts until your complete recovery. Within a few days, you can start walking with a cane or aid. The recovery time is usually different for each patient and depends mostly on how you care for the wound. Drink plenty of fluids and get iron supplements. You must also practice physical exercises (recommended by your surgeon) to improve muscle strength.
Here’s when you should seek medical attention immediately:
- You develop a high fever with chills
- You experience unbearable pain around the incision
- You notice discoloration, swelling, and bleeding around our hip joint
Conclusion
Hip replacement surgery has better outcomes for most patients. It improves your ability to move and offers permanent relief from the pain due to arthritis. Talk to a hip replacement surgeon to know if you are a good candidate for the surgery.
