Hip Replacement-
The hip is one of the body's largest weight-bearing joints The hip joint is a ball and socket joint, that allows a wide range movement. It is located where the upper end of the femur meets the acetabulum. The femur looks like a long stem with a ball on the end and the acetabulum is the socket- "cup shaped" bone of the pelvis. Hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged cartilage and bone from your hip joint is surgically replaced with new, artificial materials. The purpose of the procedure is to relieve pain, increase mobility, improve the function of the hip joint and you're walking.
What Can Be Expected Immediately After Surgery?
In the Hospital- A total hip joint replacement takes 2-4 hours approximately. After surgery you will be allowed only limited movement. When you are in bed, pillows or a special device are usually used to hold the hip in the correct position and to prevent you from crossing your legs. You may receive fluids through an intravenous tube to maintain your electrolytes and administering antibiotics. There also may be a tube to drain fluids from the surgical wound site, 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.You will be encouraged to perform deep breathing and coughing or blow into a bottle in order to reduce to avoid lung congestion. Therapists will teach you exercises to improve recovery and strengthening of the hip. Also because the new, artificial hip has a more limited range of movement than a natural, healthy hip, the physical therapist will teach you specific techniques of body posture and sitting to prevent injury to your new hip. For the first six weeks, you must be very careful not to do things that may dislocate the new hip joint.
How Long Are Recovery and Rehabilitation?
Usually, people do not spend more than 5 to 7 days in the hospital after hip replacement surgery. You may go home when you can walk safely with crutches or sticks. Your hip will continue to improve for at least six months, and full recovery depends on the type of surgery, your overall health, and the success of your rehabilitation.
What Are Possible Complications of Hip Replacement Surgery?
New technology and advances in surgical techniques have greatly reduced the risks involved with hip replacements.
The most common problem that may arise soon after hip replacement surgery is dislocation of hip joint. Because the artificial ball and socket are smaller than the normal ones certain positions at the hip joint can cause the ball of your prosthesis to become dislocated. You must avoid from bending more than 90 degrees or pulling the knees up to the chest.
Less common complications of hip replacement surgery include formation of blood clots in lower extremities that can travel to lungs, local skin or joint infection (Most of these infections can be treated with antibiotics), over time your new joint may loosen or the soft tissues around your joint may harden to treat this complication, the doctor may use anti-inflammatory medications or recommend revision surgery (replacement of an artificial joint).
|
