Hip replacement surgery: risks and results

Hip replacement surgery is second only to knee replacement surgery when it comes to the number of procedures performed. Surgery is indicated when the patient has reached a point where pain is no longer within the threshold of tolerance and mobility has been severely restricted. In a hip replacement procedure, damaged parts of the hip are replaced with artificial implants. Generally, only parts of the hip are replaced. However, a total hip replacement is a major procedure. So, it is a big decision that needs to be taken carefully and with due consideration.

A normal hip replacement surgery lasts for 1-2 hours. An incision is made on the side of the hip. Damaged muscles, diseased bone and tissue are then removed. The surgeon will take care to leave the undamaged parts of the hip intact. Damaged parts will be replaced with materials that simulate the natural action of the hip.

In a hip replacement procedure, implants (prosthesis) replace damaged parts, and these implants work in a manner that is similar to the hip. Implants are always being improved upon to give better results and last longer. Even so, replacements will wear out after 10-15 years. Therefore, younger people may need to undergo more than one replacement in their life.

In the past, surgery involved a large incision. However, these days, many surgeons opt for minimally invasive procedures where incisions are smaller and recovery periods are equally small. Typically, minimally invasive surgery is performed on patients who are young, active and healthy.

In the course of the replacement, new parts are cemented to the bone. This is a cemented procedure. In an uncemented procedure, replacements have a porous surface that allows the bone to grow into the prosthesis. Young, active people are best suited for the uncemented procedure.

Immediately after the surgery, a brace may be used to hold the new hip in position. Patients may receive food through a tube and may have a tube to drain urine. Pain and discomfort may be dealt with pain killing medication. Soon, physiotherapists will teach exercises needed to facilitate recovery and mobility. Patients are able to walk within 2 days of the surgery. Patients may be allowed to go home within 3-5 days although complete recovery is a slow process and will take more than 3-5 months. During this time, it is important to continue with the exercises and medication (if any).

The risks associated with hip replacement surgery are the same as with any other surgery. According to surveys, more than 90% of surgeries do not require revision. Certain complications may result from the surgery. The most common of these is a hip dislocation where the joint will slip out if the hip is moved in certain directions. In the course of time, as the replacement parts wear off, the body may also develop some reaction to tiny particles from the implants. A revision surgery is considered only when pain and lack of mobility has not been rectified. However, this is very rare considering the fact that hip replacement surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed, and the most successful one too.

Hip Surgery Austin - Texas Orthopedics, Sports and Rehabilitation Associates offer patients with the most advanced and up to date surgical techniques for hip and joint pain.