A ball-and-socket joint, the hip joint is the largest weight-bearing joint in the human body and also the strongest. It doesn’t usually run into serious problems, but when it does, it drastically reduces the quality of life – every movement becomes painful and difficult.

Traumatic hip injuries, deformities, or structural issues may cause serious damage to the hip which may not be adequately treated with less-invasive hip treatment procedures. Hip osteoarthritis is often the reason why the hip runs into these persistent problems which worsen over time without a reprieve for relief.

Complex hip reconstruction is a surgical procedure leveraged by hip specialists to solve issues caused by such problems, which range from common pains and stiffness to a loss of motion and painful dysfunction of the hip joint in even normal activity.

However, complete hip reconstruction surgery is not one specific procedure. A variety of procedures are utilized in combination to reconstruct the hip to its normal state and restore its function. In this blog, we sought the insights of the best hip joint replacement surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Chirag Patel, to help you understand the complete details about complex hip reconstructions procedure. Let’s go.

When is Complex Hip Reconstruction Surgery Recommended by Hip Specialists?

Hip replacement is often the first treatment considered when patients face severe hip problems due to bone loss, trauma, or other abnormalities. However, complex hip reconstruction surgery is prescribed when the hip issues go beyond what a standard hip replacement or less invasive procedure can solve.

Here are some situations where complex hip reconstruction surgery is recommended:

1. Severe arthritic conditions such as hip osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or advanced post-traumatic arthritis that has developed in the hip joint.
2. Intense hip pain that makes even the simplest daily activities like walking, bending, or getting up from a chair become unbearable.
3. Hip fractures or traumatic hip injuries that result in severe damage to the hip joint.
4. Lack of mobility or stiffness in the hip joint caused by hip joint degeneration.
5. Failure of conservative treatment options to relieve the above problems.

 Hip Reconstruction Surgery in Mumbai – Procedure

The aim of complex hip reconstruction is to restore normal hip function by repairing and restructuring the hip joint. A wide variety of hip surgery procedures such as short hip procedures, hip osteotomy, hip arthroscopy, hip arthroplasty, and labral reconstruction are used, either in combination or individually, to perform this surgery.

After a thorough examination by a hip specialist, if the patient is deemed fit for complex hip reconstruction surgery, they are prepared accordingly.

“The patient’s preparation includes stopping certain blood thinners and anti-inflammatory medications, fasting for at least 8 hours prior to the surgery, and ensuring overall optimal health to support complex hip reconstruction,” says hip replacement surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Chirag Patel.

Hip Reconstruction Surgery in Mumbai – Recovery

Following the complex hip reconstruction surgery, the patient are transferred to recovery area until they wake form anaesthesia. Post-surgery pain and swelling are expected but are managed and alleviated with medications.

Patients are placed on assistive devices such as crutches or splints for the first few weeks with instructions to avoid weight-bearing. They are encouraged to walk with assistance as early as possible to prevent blood clots and are advised to keep the leg elevated when resting to reduce pain and swelling.

“Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for at least 2-3 months and gradually return to their routines. A personalized physiotherapy protocol is designed to improve strength in the hip muscles over time and optimize the function of the hip. Most patients are able to resume their daily activities within 2-3 months and may return to sports in 5-6 months,” says hip replacement surgeon in Mumbai, Dr. Chirag Patel.