Hip Replacement Surgery: Overview, Things to Consider

Hip replacement surgery, also known as hip arthroplasty, entails the removal of a diseased and injured hip joint and its replacement with an artificial implant. This surgery helps in reducing pain and also improves mobility with patients with hip osteoarthritis symptoms. The most general type of hip surgery is hip replacement. This surgery involves the removal of the femur head and hip socket. 

Understanding Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgery can provide a significant reduction in pain, getting relief from arthritis hip pain. The functions of new hips are the same as normal hips. Moreover, it also improves the life quality of the patient. This process involves removing a damaged hip with lookalike implants- a ball to serve as the femoral head and a cup to serve as the socket. Then the surgeon inserts a metal rod into the femur, securing the new head. However, the process of removing and replacing the femoral head with a prosthesis is known as a partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty). Although the process is done in a hospital, some patients look outpatient. 

Different Hip Replacement Surgery Techniques

The surgeon performs the surgery in different ways. It depends on individual to individual and their conditions. The following are the variations on how a surgeon performs hip replacement surgery. 

• Posterior Approach

This method is the most common one. Your surgeon will make an incision on the outer part of the hip, on the buttocks, while you lay on one side. Then they cut the muscles in order to access the hip joint. 

• A Lateral Approach

This process is the same as the posterior approach. However, the only difference is that the doctor makes an incision on the outer hip instead of the buttocks. 

• Direct Anterior Approach

For this surgery, you have to lay down on your back, and then the surgeon makes an incision on the front of the thigh. This is also known as Muscle-sparing hip replacement. The surgeon, instead of cutting muscles, works around the muscles to access the hip joint. 

Implant Options Available

There are two categories of hip implants. These are:

• Modular implant in which each component is accessible separately.
• Single-piece implant in which head and socket are combined. 

These implants can be of ceramic, metal, plastic, or a combination. Even some implants need acrylic cement or screws to secure other press-fits easily. 

Potential Risks of Hip Replacement Surgery

Although there are many benefits of hip replacement surgery, certain risks are involved. These are:

• Blood clots
• Hip dislocation
• The difference in leg length
• Bleeding
• Nerve Injury
• Joint replacement infection

Besides this, there are also certain persistent symptoms, revision surgery, or hip implant loosening possibilities. 

Preparing for Hip Replacement Surgery

The preparation of hip replacement starts weeks before the surgery’s final date. Moreover, this preparation is to get your body ready for surgery and recovery. Your healthcare provider asks you to do the following.

• Quit smoking
• Lose weight (if overweight)
• Perform daily activities
• Recommended mobility aids like crutches or a cane. 

Expectation on the Surgery Day

The total time for hip surgery consumes around one to two hours. The doctor gives general or regional anaesthesia for this surgery. Then they make an incision with a predetermined surgical approach and use instruments to remove cartilage and bone from the ball-and-socket hip joint. During a total hip replacement, the surgeon places the cup that will play a role of a new hip socket. 

The surgeons hollowed the femur end to place a metal rod and attached the new artificial femoral head. Also, place the ball in the cup. Afterward, the surgeon closes the incisions and completes the surgery. Then you will be shifted to the recovery room and given medications. The hospital stay is a minimum of one night. In fact, some patients get discharged to a rehabilitation or nursing facility if the surgeon believes that recovery will take time. 

Recovery

The success of hip replacement surgery depends on numerous factors. Most of the process will be in the first couple of months. You have to work with a physical therapist in order to maintain motion and restore a normal gait. Moreover, it also helps you improve strength in the lower extremities and more. You can take the help of crutches, walkers, or a cane to help you feel more comfortable while walking. Make sure to avoid any activities for some time. 

Hip Replacement Cost in India

The cost of hip replacement surgery in India depends on a number of factors. Although it may vary from hospital to hospital, many factors play a vital role. These factors include

• Quality and type of implant
• Surgeon experience.
• Total hospital stay duration
• Cost of consumables and medicines
• Cost of physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Post-surgery complications management

Generally, the estimated cost of total hip replacement is INR 409,000 (USD 5,500), Single Hip Replacement is INR 297,000 (USD 4,000), and Bilateral Hip Replacement Surgery is INR 520,000 (USD 7,000).

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