Description of the procedure
During hip replacement surgery, the damaged hip joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint. Metal, plastic, and ceramic are common choices of material for the new joint. Having a new hip allows many people to live with less pain and greater freedom to move.
Needing a hip replacement is often age-related. People 60 years of age and over are more likely to have the procedure than younger individuals.
This procedure is usually performed by an orthopedic surgeon. The surgery is done under general anesthesia in a hospital setting.
A fully-functional hip joint is created in a total hip replacement.
When should this procedure be performed?
Doctors perform this procedure as required. The new hip joint does not need adjustment unless a problem arises with it. It is difficult to predict exactly how long a hip replacement will last because each person's circumstances vary. After 15 or 20 years, the joint may wear out through normal use. People who undergo hip replacement surgery before the age of 60 may need to have additional surgery.
Why is this procedure performed?
Usually, treatment for hip problems begins with pain medication and physical therapy to control discomfort. If this fails, doctors may suggest a hip replacement. Because hip problems cause pain, decrease a person's mobility and range of motion, and affect social or daily activities, hip replacement presents an appealing option for people in reasonably good health.
Conditions that may contribute to the need for a hip replacement include bone cancer, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and bone deformity.
Are there any risks and precautions I should know about?
This surgical procedure has a number of risks. Infection of the incision or at the site of the replacement may occur. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience fever, pain, or swelling. Antibiotics will normally clear up a bacterial infection, however, other treatment may necessary. You may also experience a reaction to the anesthetic used in the surgery.
Blood clots may also form. These clots may form in the leg causing inflammation of the blood vessels. They may also travel to the heart, brain, or lung causing a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. Speak to your doctor about your personal risk of blood clots and how to prevent these complications.
There is also a risk of experiencing problems with the joint. The artificial hip may dislocate or break, or become loose or stiff. Artificial joints used in hip replacement procedures may wear out over time. Speak with your doctor to find out how you can prolong the life of your new joint. If the artificial joint no longer works, you may need another procedure to determine why it is no longer functioning properly.
After the surgery, you may find that one of your legs is slightly longer or shorter than the other.
Next Page
