Total hip replacement can be done with a surgery that
substitutes the ailing hip joint with artificial implants
called prosthesis. However, walking aids such as a cane
or non-surgical treatment is first tried out, accompanied
by medication and physical therapy, before a hip replacement
is implemented. The aim of a total hip replacement is
to restore normal mobility, relieve pain and ensure
normal operations and capability of the hip joint.
CAUSES
Medically known as arthroplasty, hip replacement is
most commonly applicable in hip diseases due to the
following conditions:
–
Osteoarthritis that breaks down the
hip
–
Rheumatoid arthritis, which is a chronic inflammatory
condition with symptoms of joint pain, inflexibility
and tenderness
–
Avascular necrosis that involves bone loss due
to poor blood supply
–
Hip injury
–
Bone tumors
X rays are generally done to detect any one of the above
conditions.
THE PROCEDURE
The hip replacement surgery takes around 2 to 3 hours
and involves removing the affected bone tissue and cartilage
from the hip joint and replacing them with artificial
implants. Generally, the parts of the hip that are healthy
are not disturbed. The artificial parts comprise of
stuff that restore the normal functions of the joint.
Some special techniques such as the cemented procedure
are also often implemented wherein a special adhesive
is used to fix the artificial implants to the existing,
healthy structures. In the uncemented process, the patient’s
own bone is set to grow around the new, artificial implants.
Often a combination of the two processes is also implemented.
COMPLICATIONS
Total hip replacement may involve the risk of damage
or dislocation of the artificial hip in patients with
very fragile muscles or Parkinson’s disease. It
is also risky in patients who may be prone to infections
or have a poor general health.
EFFECTIVENESS
Earlier hip replacement was generally restricted to people over 60 years of age, since they had less movement and hence less chances of the replaced hip suffering wear and tear. However, the latest developments in hip replacement surgery with more sophisticated artificial implants have also made it highly effective in the young and active.
RECOVERY
In most cases, the patient is taught exercises by therapist just a day after surgery. Moreover, a respiratory therapist would measure the patient's lung capacity while coughing, blowing or deep breathing using a simple device.
Further, a physical therapist would teach some contracting and relaxing exercises to the patient to quicken the process of recovery. Since, the artificial hip movements are less flexible than normal one's the therapist have to teach the patient certain techniques that would help in conducting daily living activities like bending, sitting, which would prevent injury to the new hip.
Normally, the patient has to stay in hospital for more than 10 days after the surgery. However, it would take about 3 to 6 months to fully recover from the surgery.
