If you have damaged your hip due to arthritis, fracture, or other conditions, you may consider undergoing a total hip replacement. It is a surgery that is needed when even common activities like walking, getting out of bed, and putting on shoes and socks become difficult and painful. It’s often recommended when you face pain even while resting and get no relief from conservative measures such as medications, using walking supports, and changing everyday activities. THR is safe and effective; this procedure helps you get back motion, relieve pain, and enjoy normal activities again.
Procedure Name Total Hip Replacement (THR)
Surgery Type Open Surgery
Hospital Stay 1 to 3 Days
Duration of Surgery 1 to 2 Hours
Type of Anesthesia General Anesthesia, Spinal/Epidural/Regional Nerve Block Anesthesia
Full Recovery 3 to 6 Months
Complete hip replacement refers to a surgical procedure where your normal hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint to help you function normally. It is one of the most successful surgeries in all medicine and has become quicker, easier, and more effective with advances in technology. Lakhs of hip replacements are carried out every year worldwide. Complete hip operation, also known as hip arthroplasty, involves the replacement of the damaged bone and cartilage with prosthetic components.
The human body has the hip as one of its largest joints. Popularly known as a ball-and-socket joint, the hip joint is in the form of a ball fitted into a socket, where the ‘ball’ moves or glides whenever the person attempts to move their hip. The anatomy of the hip can be better explained as follows:
Conditions that lead to chronic hip pain and disability, and a need for full hip replacement surgery are as follows:
THR or full hip operation may be suggested, when:
THR has no age or weight restrictions, although it is mostly done on patients aged 50 to 80.
A hip operation can be of the following three types:
Furthermore, hip replacement can be done traditionally as well as in a minimally invasive manner. Moreover, the surgeon may access the hip joint from different angles, based on which the hip replacement can be anterior, posterior, or lateral.
You should follow your doctor’s instructions, clear all your doubts with him/her, and end tobacco usage if any. Also, choosing to undergo this surgery is in itself a big question and you should make sure that you speak everything with your family and doctor, and carry realistic expectations.
Here are some of the ways you can be best prepared for a whole hip replacement:
The total hip transplant procedure is 1-2 hours long and is carried out in the following manner:
In other words, the damaged femoral head (ball) is removed and replaced with a metal stem, which is inserted into the hollow center of the femur and topped with a metal/ceramic ball. The acetabulum is also removed and then replaced with a metal socket. The surgeon may use screws or cement at times to make the adjustment. Between the new ball and socket, a plastic, metal, or ceramic spacer is inserted to allow a smooth gliding surface.
Finally, you are moved to the recovery room. You are taken to the hospital room or discharged after you wake up from the effect of anesthesia.
The implants used in THR are the following three:
Many varying types of designs and materials are used nowadays and your surgeon helps you understand which type will best meet your needs. Your surgeon may ‘press fit’ the prosthetic components into the bone, or cement them into place. S/he may also use a combination of the two options, where the stem used is cemented while the socket is non-cemented. The decision depends on various factors including the strength of your bone.
Recovery is very crucial to the success of the THR procedure. So you need to be very careful during this phase and follow all given instructions properly.
Know that you may experience numbness in the affected area and feel some stiffness, but these tend to go away with time. Attend all follow-ups and avoid any falls and injuries to prevent the need for another surgery.
The following table identifies the similarities and differences between the two types of hip replacement:
Aspect | THR (Total Hip Replacement) | Partial Hip Replacement |
---|---|---|
Meaning | Both the ball and the socket of your hip joint are replaced with artificial implants. | Only the femoral head (the ball and the stem) is replaced and the original hip socket remains intact. |
Mode of surgery | Surgery can be done as an outpatient procedure. | Same as THR. |
Types | THR can be anterior, posterior, or lateral, depending upon the approach used. | It can be unipolar or bipolar (more common) replacement. |
Rate of success | THR is regarded as one of the safest medical procedures. | As per experts, THR is always better than partial hip replacement. |
Benefits | Freedom from pain, better hip mobility and function, and long-lasting results. | Less surgical time, less physical space impacted, less blood loss, reduced recovery time and less discomfort. |
Hip Surgery can be a daunting aspect, and feeling anxious is normal. The massive amount of information you can get from the internet may confuse you even more. This is where Medfin can help. Leave us the hefty task of finding the best hospital, the finest doctor, and the latest procedure at the lowest cost. Let us take charge while you sit back and focus on your health and recovery. Think surgery! Think Medfin!
After my consultation with the doctor, MEDFIN representative got me a fixed package cost that included my mothers initial tests, surgery cost. They also gave me stockings free for Rs. 3000 post the surgery. They kept up their promise they made
It varies from person to person. It must be worn at all times (except for eating and bathing), even while you are asleep.
Thank you Medfin. They ensured the whole process from selecting a very experienced doctor to offering the latest procedure at a very reasonable price. They also arranged a follow up post my surgery with the doctor to ensure my recovery was on track. Thank you for being there throughout
Need Surgery? Think Medfin - The surgery experts
Those who are above the age of 40 and have other genetic factors that can contribute as risk factors must go for annual eye exams. e.g. Family history of retinal disease, heart disease patients, and metabolic diseases like diabetes.
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