Total Hip Replacement
What is Total Hip Replacement?
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the upper end of the thighbone (femur) and the hip socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis. A smooth layer of cartilage between these bones allows painless, smooth movement. Total Hip Replacement in Koramangala, Bangalore is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or painful hip joint is replaced with artificial components to relieve pain and restore movement.
Parts of the Hip Prosthesis
The prosthetic hip is a mechanical device that is designed to replace the patient’s hip joint. It is made of the following components:
- Acetabular component: This replaces the acetabulum of the hip. It is shaped like a cup and is made of metal shell with a polyethylene or ceramic inner liner.
- Femoral component: This replaces the top end or head of the femur. It is shaped in the form of a stem and ball. The stem is made of metal and the ball is made of metal or ceramic.
When should Total Hip Replacement be considered?
A painful hip caused by osteoarthritis, injury, or chronic inflammatory disease can significantly affect daily activities and quality of life. Total Hip Replacement in Sarjapur Road, Bangalore may be considered when non-surgical treatments such as medications, injections, or physiotherapy no longer provide adequate relief, and pain or stiffness interferes with routine activities.
Preparing for Total Hip Replacement
In preparation for the surgery, you may be recommended to:
- Undergo tests to ensure you are fit for the surgery
- Inform Dr. Laxman of your current medications and allergies
- Temporarily stop certain medications before surgery
- Avoid smoking and alcohol, as they can slow down healing
- Stop eating and drinking 8–12 hours before surgery
What to expect during Total Hip Replacement Surgery?
The surgery is performed under general or regional anaesthesia. There are different surgical approaches to the hip, with the anterior approach being considered less invasive. A small incision is made, and the muscles and soft tissues are carefully moved aside to protect nerves and blood vessels.
The damaged femoral head is removed, and the hip socket is prepared to fit the artificial cup. A canal is then created in the femur to place the stem. Once the prosthetic components are positioned, the hip is relocated and checked for stability and movement. The incision is closed with sutures, a dressing is applied, and you are moved to the recovery room.
Recovery after Total Hip Replacement
The hospital stay usually ranges from 1 to 4 days. You will be discharged once you can safely get out of bed, walk with the help of a walker or crutches, and manage stairs if required. Physiotherapy begins early to support faster recovery. Most patients achieve full recovery within approximately 3 months.
Risks of Total Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement is a very safe procedure that improves hip stability and function. Of note, there are minimal risks with the surgery, which include infection, bleeding and delayed healing.
Longevity and long term functional returns
Most functional activities important to Indian patients such as sitting cross legged, sitting on the floor, and climbing stairs—can be comfortably performed after recovery. Dr. Laxman advises ceramic bearing surfaces for younger patients, ceramic-on-polyethylene bearings for older patients, and metal on polyethylene bearings for patients above 75 years of age.
With proper care, lifestyle modifications, and adherence to instructions, most hip replacements function well for 20–25 years.
FAQs
Why Would Someone Need Total Hip Replacement?
Total hip replacement is commonly required when the cartilage between the femoral head (ball) and acetabulum (socket) wears out. This often occurs due to severe arthritis, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Surgery is usually recommended only when non-surgical treatments no longer provide relief.
What Happens During a Total Hip Replacement?
While the patient is under anaesthesia, the damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the hip joint. Artificial components are then placed to replace the socket and femoral head. The hip’s stability and movement are assessed before closing the incision in layers.
Will I Be Pain-Free After My Surgery?
Total hip replacement provides significant pain relief. Mild surgical site discomfort may be present initially, which is managed with medications. By the time of discharge, most patients experience minimal pain and improved comfort.
How Long Will I Have to Stay in the Medical Facility?
The average hospital stay is 3–4 days.
Before you are discharged from care, you will need to accomplish several goals, such as:
- Getting in and out of bed by yourself.
- Having acceptable pain control.
- Being able to eat, drink, and use the bathroom.
- Walking with an assistive device (a cane, walker, or crutches) on a level surface and being able to climb up and down two or three stairs.
- Being able to perform the prescribed home exercises.
How Long Will I Have to Take Off Work?
It is recommended that patients take 2-6 weeks off of work depending on their occupation. Patients who have a desk job can typically go back to work sooner than patients who have manual labour jobs or have to be on their feet often.
How Long Will Full Recovery Take?
Most patients can move around with walking aids soon after discharge. Recovery time varies, with many patients feeling much better within 3–6 weeks. Returning to full activity levels usually takes around 8–12 weeks.
Will I Need Physical Therapy?
Yes. Physical therapy is an essential part of your total hip replacement recovery process. Physical therapy begins the following day of your surgery and will take place over the course of several weeks. At first, you will do some simple exercises like contracting and relaxing your muscles in order to strengthen your hip. You will also learn new techniques for movements such as sitting, standing, and bending, in order to prevent any possible damage to your hip replacement. Typically patients are in physical therapy for 6-8 weeks and have sessions twice to thrice a week.
What Will Physical Therapy Entail?
The specific exercises depend on the patient and their rehabilitation goals. For example, if the patient’s home has lots of stairs, the physical therapist may prioritize preparing the patient for going up and down stairs.
Regardless of individual goals, physical therapy is essential to hip replacement rehabilitation. Patients who attend their physical therapy appointments and perform their prescribed exercises tend to recover more quickly and have better outcomes than those who do not.
How Long Before I Can Drive After Surgery?
Some patients may drive as soon as 2 weeks after surgery, while others may need as long as 8 weeks. During this period, simply getting in and out of a car can be challenging, especially if the car’s seats are low to the ground. In order to drive a car safely, patients must meet the following requirements:
- The patient must be off of narcotic pain medication while driving. If the patient takes pain medication at night only and not during the day while driving, that is acceptable.
- The patient must be able to hit the brake quickly.
- The patient must be able to get in and out of the car comfortably and safely.
In addition, reflexes and muscle strength should have returned to their pre-surgical levels.