Hip Replacement | Dr. Bharat Raju, Orthopedic Surgeon, Navi Mumbai

Total hip replacement is most commonly used to treat joint failure caused by osteoarthritis. Other indications include rheumatoid arthritis, certain hip fractures, benign and malignant bone tumors. The aim of the procedure is pain relief and improvement in hip function. Hip replacement is usually considered only after other therapies, such as physical therapy and pain medications, have failed.

In a total hip replacement (also called total hip arthroplasty), the damaged bone and cartilage of hip joint is removed and replaced with prosthetic components. Hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful operations in all of medicine.

Pre-Operative Assessment

Before surgery you will meet with us for an examination where we will:

Ask about your medical history and current medications.
Do thorough examination of your hip joint, paying attention to the range of motion, deformity of the joint and the strength of the surrounding muscles.
Order blood tests, X-ray of the hip joint and MRI scan.

During this pre-operative evaluation is a good time for you to ask questions about the procedure. Be sure to find out which medications you should avoid or continue to take in the week before surgery.

Post - Operative Management

After surgery, you will be moved to a recovery area for a few hours while your anaesthesia wears off.
Medical staff will monitor your blood pressure, pulse, alertness and pain levels.
There will definitely be some pain after your operation but your surgery team will do everything possible to keep it manageable and minimal.
Following your operation, a physical therapist will start some simple in bed exercises and side turning on the same day or next day of your operation.
Bed side sitting and walking with walker/crutches are started on day1 or day2 depending on the patients comfort levels.
Most patients are discharged from the hospital 3-4 days after surgery.
Limb positioning is very important after THR, operated limb should be kept in abduction with 1 pillow between the legs, avoid sitting on a low sofa or stool, this should be followed for a period of 4-6 weeks.
After you return home, therapy will continue regularly for few weeks. Specific exercises will aim to improve the functionality of the hip joint.
Most patients recover within 6 weeks, although it may take 3 months or longer for some people to recover fully.

FAQs

1) Why should someone need Total hip replacement?

Total hip replacement is often necessary after the cartilage between the femoral head and acetabulum wears out. Arthritis leaves patients with severe pain and immobility. Typically, a hip replacement is not performed unless non surgical methods fail to relieve hip pain.

2) Will I be pain free after my surgery?

Most Hip replacement patients report being completely pain free after 3-4weeks.

3) How long will I have to stay in the medical facility?

Patients who have their surgery done in the hospital typically stay for about 3-4 days.

4) How long will I have to take off from work?

It is recommended that patients take 4-6 weeks off to work depending on their occupation. Patients who have a desk job go back to work sooner than patients who have manual labour jobs or have to be on their feet long.

5) Will I need physical therapy?

Yes. Physical therapy is an essential part of your Total hip replacement recovery process. Physical therapy begins the day of your surgery and will continue for 4-6 weeks.

6) How long before I can drive after surgery?

One can drive comfortably 6-8 weeks after surgery.

7) What are the risks of Total hip replacement surgery?

Blood clots
Infection
Dislocation
Fracture
Need for second Total hip replacement

Total Hip Replacement