Hip Replacement Surgery: All You Need to Know
Hip Replacement Surgery: All You Need to Know
Hip pain is hard to deal with. Not only can it cause stiffness, soreness and inflammation, but it can interfere with critical day-to-day activities like moving and walking. To overcome the hip damage and to replace it with an artificial one (implant), hip replacement surgery is done.
Adults of any age can be considered for hip replacement surgery, although most are done on people between the ages 60 and 80. If you have been suffering from hip pain for a long time, you can consider surgery. But how do you know it’s time for your hip replacement surgery? Read this article to know more:
What is a hip replacement?
Hip arthroplasty, often known as hip replacement, is a surgery used to treat hip pain. Artificial implants are used during the operation to replace some of the hip joints. The ball and socket that make up the hip joint are located near the head of the femur, commonly known as the thigh bone (in the pelvis, also known as the hip bone).
One or both portions of the hip might be replaced during surgery to replace it. Your ability to continue everyday activities and engage in physical activity with reduced pain is the procedure’s main objective.
According to your situation, the doctor may recommend either a partial or total hip replacement. The good thing about hip replacement surgery is that you can expect immediate relief. This sense of immediate relief is most common among hip replacement patients, especially who have been living with mobility issues.
Why is it done?
- Osteoarthritis – It is one condition that can harm the hip joint and, in certain cases, necessitate hip replacement surgery. Osteoarthritis, also referred to as wear-and-tear arthritis, affects the slippery cartilage that protects the ends of bones and facilitates joint motion.
- Arthritis rheumatoid – Rheumatoid arthritis, which is brought on by an overactive immune system, results in an inflammation that can destroy joint cartilage and occasionally the underlying bone, leading to broken and misshapen joints.
- Osteonecrosis – The bone may collapse and distort if there is insufficient blood supply to the ball of the hip joint. This could happen as a result of a dislocation or fracture.
Signs you should need a hip replacement.
As with most treatments, you should try conservative treatments before you consider surgery. If the physical therapy pain medicines haven’t improved your hip pain, then it may be a good idea to consider replacement surgery:
Hip pain when it doesn’t respond to other treatments
If your symptoms are not responding to medicine or physical therapy, it may be time for taking surgery. Medicines can effectively relieve the symptoms, but most other treatments work only temporarily.
Additionally, with the effects of more injections only lasting for a couple of months, this overdosage of medicine and drugs can have side effects. Opting for hip replacement surgery can ensure that you will be free from the constant discomfort you have experienced over the years.
Groin and key pain
Patients with severe hip arthritis typically have deep-groin pain. This pain can be adequately relieved by a hip replacement. Even when there is nothing wrong with the knee, hip arthritis can nevertheless result in knee pain.
The inflammation surrounding the hip has an impact on the nerves that supply the knee and go past it. Usually, after a hip replacement, the groyne and knee symptoms brought on by hip arthritis significantly subside.
Nevertheless, that hip replacement may not be beneficial for patients with buttock pain. Even while the hip may be the source of chronic discomfort, the back may also be the culprit. Because of this, there is a possibility it may continue even after a hip replacement.
Stiffness
If you have any difficulty putting your socks and shoes on is a general sign of stiffness in your hip. The sign becomes clearer if one foot is more difficult than the other. You may also start to feel that your hip joint is popping, clicking or grinding in ways which impair the normal range of movement. If this problem persists, then you should consult with a specialist. According to the suggestion given, you decided on taking a hip replacement surgery.
One leg test
If you can’t stand on the leg with which you have a problem longer than a minute, even with the support of a table-top or a door frame for balance, then there is a chance that you have a problem with your hip. There are some other exercises you can try at home if you could benefit from hip pain treatment, for instance:
- Lying on your back, can you move the leg out to the side without moving your trunk?
- Sitting on a chair, can you place the ankle on the opposite knee and let the knee drop down as possible?
- Lying on your sitting or back, can you bring your knee to the chest?
For every test, compare both sides of your body. You may find these tests easier on one side than the other, and many people can notice this.
Bone-on-bone arthritis
When x-rays show that arthritis is to the point where the bones are touching, then the hip replacement becomes an option. Patients who have hip arthritis pain but if they don’t have bone touching the other bone should maximize all non-operative treatment.
It all should be done before considering replacement. Some patients with a femoral head (the ball part of the hip) that is no longer around can benefit from a hip replacement.
Bottom Line
If you find any of the given symptoms in your hip, then it is better to fix an appointment with your doctor and clarify your doubts. The cost of hip replacement varies according to the treatment you need for your hip, enquire about the potential treatment cost.
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