What is a hip replacement?
A hip replacement, also known as hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which an orthopaedic surgeon replaces your hip or its components with a prosthetic implant. By replacing the damaged or diseased hip joint with a prosthetic implant, hip replacement surgery aims to relieve pain, improve joint function, and enhance the overall quality of life. This procedure is typically recommended when non-surgical treatments have proven ineffective in managing hip-related symptoms.
During the hip replacement in Jaipur, the orthopaedic surgeon will remove the damaged parts of the hip joint and replace them with an artificial implant designed to mimic the natural hip joint.
If you are experiencing hip pain and functional limitations that significantly impact your daily life, consulting with a healthcare provider or orthopaedic surgeon at Apex Hospitals can help determine if a hip replacement is an appropriate treatment option. They can assess your condition, discuss the benefits and risks of the procedure, and guide you through the process.
Types of Hip replacement
Several hip replacement surgeries may be performed depending on the individual's condition and specific needs. The common types of hip replacement include:
- Total Hip Replacement (THR): This is the most common type of hip replacement surgery. It involves removing the damaged femoral head (the ball-shaped top of the thigh bone) and replacing it with a metal or ceramic ball attached to a stem placed into the femur (thigh bone). The damaged socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis is also replaced with a metal socket lined with a plastic or ceramic liner.
- Partial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty): In this procedure, only the femoral head is replaced, while the natural socket is retained. It is typically performed when the damage is limited to the femoral head, often caused by a hip fracture.
It's important to note that the choice of hip replacement surgery depends on various factors, including the patient's age, overall health, the extent of joint damage, and the surgeon's recommendation. The orthopaedic surgeon at Apex Hospitals will determine the specific type of hip replacement surgery after a thorough evaluation and discussion with the patient.
Benefits of hip replacement
Hip replacements have a high success rate and are known to significantly improve symptoms, particularly pain and stiffness. After undergoing hip replacement surgery and completing the recovery process, individuals typically experience a notable improvement in mobility and range of motion in the hip joint. This enhanced mobility makes walking, climbing stairs, and engaging in physical tasks easier. Individuals can enjoy a more active and fulfilling lifestyle with a successful hip replacement.
Risks or complications
Although complications from hip replacements are infrequent, they can occur. The most commonly observed complications include:
- Infections
- Blood clots
- Prosthesis-related issues
- Fractures
- Joint stiffness
It's important to note that these complications are relatively rare, and healthcare providers at Apex Hospitals take numerous precautions to minimize their occurrence. Your orthopaedic surgeon at Apex Hospitals will discuss these potential risks with you and guide how to reduce them.
