9 Most Asked Questions about Hip Replacement Surgery

Is hip replacement surgery painful? Can we walk after the surgery?

We have answered most asked questions about hip replacement surgery in this blog. As a bonus, you can also watch a video where Dr Kiran S Chouka answers these questions.

FAQ 1. Are there any alternatives for Hip Replacement Surgery?

Ans. This surgery is usually done to treat hip pain. If the  pain is manageable, then the surgeon or doctor will opt for medical management of the pain. If all treatment options fail or the hip pain is severe, then the surgeon may opt for the surgery.

FAQ 2. How long does a hip replacement last?

Ans. The life of an artificial hip implant (Prosthesis) will depend on the quality of surgery. With proper care, hip implants can last anywhere between 10 years to 30 years.

FAQ 3. What are the risks of the Surgery?

Ans. Just like any surgery, total hip replacement surgery has its own risks, they are:

• Infection

• Blood clots

• The leg length may vary

• Dislocation

• The implant might loosen

FAQ 4. What should you expect after hip replacement surgery?

Ans. After the surgery, you will have to be under complete bed rest for a couple of days. Then you will have to go for physiotherapy for 3 weeks to 3 months depending on your speed of recovery. You should also  exercise regularly to strengthen your muscles around the hips. After recovery, you will be able to get back to your regular life.

FAQ 5. What type of anesthesia is given during hip replacement surgery?

Ans. An anesthesiologist usually decides the type of anesthesia that will be administered during the surgery. They will consider several factors while selecting the anesthesia and may choose general anesthesia, spinal anesthesia, epidural or regional nerve block anesthesia. The anesthesiologist will discuss this before your surgery.

FAQ 6. What is the recovery time for a hip replacement surgery?

Ans. You will start recovering from the surgery in stages. Initially, you will need to take bed rest for a few days. Then you will have to undergo physiotherapy for 3 weeks to 3 months. After physiotherapy, you will have to do exercises to strengthen the muscles in order to decrease the load on your hip joints. With proper recovery, you can go back to your normal life.

FAQ 7. What are the necessary steps to be taken to avoid problems after hip replacement surgery?

Ans. After the surgery, you have to follow particular instruction given by the doctor for proper recovery. These post-surgical instructions usually include:

• The patient has to take bed rest for a few days.

• While in bed, the leg has to be elevated

• The doctor may prescribe medicines to manage the pain.

• The doctor will suggest physiotherapy for 3 weeks to 3 months.

• Exercises to strengthen the hip joint in order to decreases the load on the hip.

Depending on your conditions, the doctor may give other instructions, so kindly consult doctor.

FAQ 8. How painful is a hip replacement?

Ans. During the surgery, you will be under anesthesia, so you won’t experience any pain. After the surgery, the surgeon will prescribe medicine to manage the pain. However, since pain is subjective, it may vary from patient to patient. Pain will also depend on the surgery technique used.

FAQ 9. Can you walk and climb normally after a hip replacement surgery?

Ans. If you recover properly then you will be able to walk and climb normally after the surgery.

Watch this video where Dr. Kiran S Chouka explains about Hip Replacement Surgery in details.

Medfin offers the latest Hip Replacement Surgery. To consult an expert Medfin surgeon near you, please call us on 7026200200. You can also WhatsApp us on 7406557599 (click here to initiate a WhatsApp chat).