Hip replacement surgery is a challenging procedure and can be painful, but modern techniques have made it less complicated. The procedure is known as hip arthroplasty, which includes using artificial implants to replace parts of hip joints. These implants are helpful to improve movement.
This surgery is done when the pain becomes so severe that it interferes with daily activities and non-surgical procedures are no more helpful. The most common reason for replacement is arthritis.
The majority of older adults go for hip replacement surgery, and in Katy total hip replacement provides complete guidance and recovery.
Why Is Hip Replacement Done?
Hip replacement becomes a necessity when different conditions cause damage to the joint.
- Rheumatoid arthritis- Can damage and deform bones by causing an inflammation that erodes cartilage and rarely bone present underneath.
- Osteonecrosis- Because of less blood supply to the hip joint, dislocation can occur or even deformation of bone.
The surgery is considered if pain includes:
- Difficulty in dressing.
- Sleep interference.
- Ability to go up or down.
- Problem to move from a seated position.
- Unable to move even with a walker.
What Complications Can Occur?
Risk factors linked with surgery include:
- Blood clots- A clot can develop in veins that can break off and travel to the brain, lungs, or heart; however, doctors recommend blood-thinning medicines.
- Infection- Infection can develop at the site of the incision or in deeper tissues. The majority of infections are cured with antibiotics, but infections around prosthetics are removed by surgery.
- Fracture- Because of surgery, there are chances that healthy portions of the hip joint might be damaged. The small ones heal up by themselves, but larger ones require wires, screws, and maybe metal plates for stability.
- Dislocation- A specific position might dislocate the ball and socket joint during the initial days after surgery. Doctors use a brace to keep them in the correct place.
- Change in leg length- A situation might occur after the surgery; the length of the legs changes due to contracture of muscles.
- Loosening- These complications are infrequent with new implants, as new joints might not be adequately fixed and become loose over time, causing pain around the hip.
- Nerve damage- Rarely, nerves around the hip might damage because of surgery, causing weakness and pain.
Although there are various complications of hip replacement surgery, home remedies are recommended by doctors after the surgery for a certain period and not to put much pressure on the joint.
