Osteoarthritis comes with constant pain, discomfort, and limited mobility. Overall, the basic activities one could do before become very tasking, and it can be frustrating. When other treatments are not forthcoming with positive results, the next option is a total hip replacement. This article explores the procedure and its benefits.
Understanding Osteoarthritis and its Impact on the Hip Joint.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that affects millions of people. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the bones in a joint gradually breaks down. This breakdown of the cartilage causes the bone to rub against the other, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. The pain does not reduce, and it eventually makes everyday activities a struggle.
When is Total Hip Replacement Necessary?
The first treatment options are medications, physical therapy, managing weight, and avoiding high-impact activities. But when to have hip surgery for arthritis is considered when pain is constant and interrupts daily life and when the hip joint no longer moves freely and makes basic movement nearly impossible.
The decision to have surgery is made after you consult an orthopedic surgeon in Mumbai Dr Chirag Patel , who will assess the severity of the osteoarthritis and any other medical condition that could make or mar the surgery’s success.
Total Hip Replacement Procedure
Once it is ascertained that a total hip replacement is the best treatment course, you can expect the following:
- Pre-surgery preparations: A routine check and a series of tests will be conducted to check the damage to the hip joint.
- Surgery: It takes about 1-2 hours. Under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes an incision over the hip, removes the damaged bone and cartilage, and replaces it with an artificial joint. The prosthesis could be metal, ceramic, or plastic.
Osteoarthritis Hip Surgery Recovery and Rehabilitation
How long does it take to walk normally after hip surgery?
Ideally, you should stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days after surgery, depending on your overall health and how quickly your body heals. The surgery has a low risk of complications.
What to expect the first week after hip replacement surgery?
Osteoarthritis hip surgery recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. You should start with simple movements and gradually progress to more complex exercises. In the first few weeks, you will need assistance with walking.
In the first 8-12 weeks after the operation, you must take special care to prevent the dislocation of the new hip. Don’t bend your legs all the way to test the new hip. Let the recovery take its full course.
Benefits of Total Hip Replacement
The first and most immediate is pain relief. Patients get to experience a drastic reduction in pain. Additionally, it restores mobility. A successful total hip replacement will let you return to your active lifestyle. It is a lasting solution for many people because modern prosthetic Hips can last up to 20 years.
The Complications Involved
Most hip replacement surgeries are highly successful, but like any other major operation, there are risks. The complications include:
- Blood clots: Blood clots can occur after surgery and cause pain and swelling in the leg.
- Infection: Quite unusual as it occurs in 1 out of 100 cases.
- Dislocation: The hip may dislocated and require realignment
- Loosening and fractures. After about 10-15 years, the artificial hip could loosen, and you would need to fix it surgically.
Conclusion
The road to recovery may take time, but many patients report significant improvements in both pain relief and functionality after a total hip replacement. For the best joint replacement surgeon in Mumbai, connect with Dr. Chirag Patel.