All You Need to Know about Hip Replacement Surgery |
Posted: June 12, 2018 |
The number of people who undergo hip replacement surgery in the US has skyrocketed in recent years. The procedure is becoming more common among young adults and contributes immensely towards improving the quality of life of people with hip joint damage. This blog gives an overview of the procedure to help you get a better understanding of what is involved if you are considering undergoing hip replacement surgery. Who Needs Hip Replacement?There are several medical conditions that can lead to hip joint damage, necessitating hip replacement surgery. The most common conditions include: OsteoarthritisThis is when there are wear and tear of the slick cartilage that covers the ends of bones, responsible for the smooth movement of joints. Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis is responsible for inflammation capable of eroding cartilage and sometimes underlying bones. This results in damage and deformity of the joints. OsteonecrosisLiterally, it means the death of bone tissue when the blood supply to the bone is inadequate. This condition leads to the breakup of bones and eventual collapse. Read Related: Traditional versus Minimally-Invasive Hip Replacement SurgeryPre-Surgery ProtocolPrior to undergoing hip replacement surgery, an appointment should be set up between you and your orthopedic surgeon. This allows the surgeon to discuss and familiarize themselves with your medical history including hip pain symptoms and current medications if any. The appointment is typically followed by a general physical examination to make sure that you are fit to undergo the procedure. Thereafter, the doctor may order specific tests such as blood tests or x-rays as well as request surgical clearance from your primary care physician. SurgeryTypical hip replacement surgery involves the following steps: 1. Making an incision on the side or front of the hip Post-SurgeryFollowing the surgery, you will be moved to the recovery room where you will be observed for a few hours until the anesthesia wears off. During this time, the medical staff monitors your blood pressure, pain levels, and alertness. Associated Risks & RemediesHip replacement surgery may entail a few risks for some patients. They include: Blood clotsSometimes clots can form in the leg veins. In such cases, physicians usually prescribe blood-thinning medications. FractureA fracturing of healthy parts of the hip joint is another possibility during surgery. While small fractures often heal on their own, larger ones may need correction using pins and wires. InfectionInfection around the incision is another risk. In the event that it occurs, it is often treated with antibiotics, while more serious cases may require additional surgery to replace the prosthesis. Discharge & Follow-UpsAt the time of discharge, you and your caregiver are given detailed home care instructions. They include a list of do’s and don’ts and the scheduling of a follow-up appointment after the procedures. If you’re looking for hip replacement surgery in Plano or a nearby area, contact a spine and orthopedic referral center that can connect you with a reputable expert near you.
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