The procedure involves removing the damaged or diseased bone and cartilage from the hip joint and replacing it with an artificial joint made of metal, plastic, or ceramic components. Total hip replacement is typically performed to relieve pain and improve mobility in people who have severe arthritis or other conditions that cause damage to the hip joint.
It is a major surgical procedure that requires a hospital stay and rehabilitation afterward to regain strength and mobility in the affected hip.
What Is The Procedure for a Total Hip Replacement?
The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, and recovery time can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery. Patients often begin physical therapy shortly after the surgery to help them regain strength and mobility in the affected hip.
During the total hip replacement, the surgeon will make an incision on the side or back of the hip to access the hip joint. The damaged or diseased bone and cartilage is then removed from the hip socket and the femur bone, leaving a space to fit the artificial joint.
The artificial joint is made up of several components, including a metal stem that is inserted into the hollow center of the femur bone, a metal or ceramic ball that replaces the damaged ball at the top of the femur bone, and a plastic or metal socket that replaces the damaged socket in the hip bone.
Once the components are in place, the surgeon will test the joint to ensure that it moves smoothly and that the hip is stable. The incision is then closed, and the patient is taken to a recovery room to begin the postoperative phase of their care.
Who Is a Total Hip Replacement for?
Total hip replacement surgery is typically recommended for people who have severe hip pain and disability caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, hip fractures, or other hip conditions.
Candidates for hip replacement surgery usually experience chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility that have not improved with nonsurgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
Common symptoms that may indicate the need for hip replacement surgery include:
- Chronic pain in the hip joint that persists during rest or activity
- Limitation of movement in activities and toughness in the hip joint
- Difficulty walking or performing everyday activities due to hip pain and disability
- Decreased quality of life due to chronic hip pain and disability
How Long Does a Hip Replacement Take?
Rehabilitation after the operation is an essential part of the recovery process. The physical therapist will work with the patient to improve strength and mobility in the hip joint, and to help them regain the ability to perform everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs.
Most patients are able to return to normal activities within a few months after surgery, although it can take up to a year for the hip joint to fully heal and for the patient to regain full strength and mobility.
Before considering total hip replacement surgery, patients may undergo diagnostic tests such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In order to assess the extent of the damage to the hip joint and to help determine whether the procedure is the best treatment option for them. Ultimately, the decision to undergo hip replacement surgery should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare provider.