Question and Answers Before Hip Replacement Surgery

The Right Hip Bone

 Introduction:

Find out what you can expect from hip surgery.  How long until recovery?  The different type of artificial hips and which type that has been proven to be the best for you and your circumstances.(Photo Illustrations}

Who Should Have Hip Replacement Surgery?

Good candidates for a hip replacement are people who have great health. If you're in great health you will recover quickly. 

When pain in your hips causes you to be unable to achieve everyday activities today, a person's overall health and activity level are more important than age in predicting a hip replacement's success. 

Before advanced joint deterioration occurs you should have a hip replacement people tend to recover more easily and have better outcomes.

Medial Fracture in 92 year old Women

What Are Alternatives to Hip Replacement?

Before considering a total hip replacement, your doctor may try other methods of treatment, such as exercise, walking aids, and medication. 

Exerciser strengthens the muscles around the hip joint. Walking aids such as canes and walkers will ease some of the stress from damaged hips and help you to avoid or delay surgery. For hip pain without inflammation, doctors usually recommend the analgesic medication acetminophen.

For hip pain with inflammation, treatment usually consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. When neither NSAIDs nor analgesics are enough to relieve pain, doctors sometimes recommend combining the two or stronger analgesic medication such as tramadol or a product containing both acetaminophen and a narcotic analgesic such as codeine may be to control pain.

Using capsaicin and methylsalicylate may provide additional relief. Some people find that the nutritional supplement combination of glucosamine and chondroitin helps ease pain. In a small number of cases, doctors may prescribe corticosteroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone, if NSAIDs do not relieve pain.

Corticosteroids reduce joint inflammation and are frequently used to treat rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Because corticosteroids alter the bodies natural hormone production, which is essential for the body to function, you should not stop taking them suddenly, and you should follow the doctor's instructions for discontinuing treatment.

Sometimes, corticosteroids are injected into the hip joint. A joint lubricant such as hyaluronan may also be injected into the hip joint to relieve pain.

Intertrochanteric Fracture on a 17 year old male

What Does Hip Replacement Surgery Involve?

Traditional hip replacement surgery, lasts about 1 to 2 hours, the surgeon makes a 6" to 8" incision on the side of the hip cutting through the muscles then the doctor removes the diseased bone tissue and cartilage from the hip joint, while leaving the healthy parts of the joint intact. 

Then the surgeon replaces the head of the femur and acetabulum with new, artificial parts. Today, some surgeons have begun performing what is called a minimally invasive, or mini-incision, hip replacement, which requires smaller incisions and a shorter recovery time than traditional hip replacement. 

Candidates for this type of surgery are usually age 50 or younger, of normal weight and healthier than candidates for traditional surgery. Joint resurfacing is also being used.

Regardless of whether you have traditional or minimally invasive surgery, the parts used to replace the joint are the same. They come in two varieties: cemented and uncemented.

Is a Cemented or Uncemented Prosthesis Better?

Cemented replacements are more frequently used for older, less active people and people with weak bones, such as those who have osteoporosis, while uncemented replacements are more frequently used for younger, more active people.

What Can Be Expected Immediately After Surgery?

You will be allowable limited movement immediately after hip replacement surgery. Pillows are usually used to brace the hip in the correct position. You may receive fluids through an intravenously to replace fluids lost during surgery.

Tube located near the incision to drain fluid, and a type of tube called a catheter may be used to drain urine until you are able to use the bathroom. The doctor will prescribe medicine for pain or discomfort.

Day after your hip surgery the therapists exercises your hip to improve recovery.
One or two days after surgery, you will sit on the edge of the bed, stand, and even walk with assistance.
While you are still in the hospital, a physical therapist may teach you exercises to strengthen your hip.