Definition – What is Hip Replacement?
When an aged, worn out or injured parts of natural Hip Joint is surgically replaced by artificial parts with the intent to remove the pain and increase the mobility. The hip is generally a Ball and socket joint and Hip replacement involves removal of diseased ball and socket and replacing them with an artificial joint made from metal and plastic components. Hip replacement is surgery is done to improve the functioning of Hip joints. The Hip is one of the body’s largest joints and needs proper care and attention.
Total and Partial Hip Replacement – The Difference!!
In simple words, Total Hip Replacement is when an artificial joint replaces the entire hip structure. To bring stability, a stem is inserted into the patient’s femur, while treating for total Hip replacement. Also, the head of the femur is replaced by a Ball. While treating a patient for Partial Hip replacement, only one part of a hip needs to be treated. In most cases of Partial Hip surgeries, the acetabulum also known as socket is left intact and only the head of the femur is replaced with a ball.
Why India – A Hot Potato!!!
- India ranks among the top 03 medical tourism destinations in Asia.
- Best of Both Worlds – India is home to world-class medical amenities and that too at very economical costs!!
- Medical treatment in the USA and other countries costs an arm and a leg whereas treatments in India cost very less.
- Indian Surgeons, doctors are immensely proficient in their field of expertise.
- Language is no barrier in India as English is widely spoken all over the country. The facility of different language experts is also provided in Hospitals
Signs & Symptoms
- In most cases, when a person starts to feel discomfort which results in limited movement of body parts such as thighs, buttocks, Hip Joints, Back
- Sometimes a person feels Pain to such a level that it restricts him/her from doing daily activities. Uneasiness and stiffness can be felt at repeated occasions.
- The pain begins on one side of the body and is often limited to one set of joints.
- Not only pain but sometimes an injury that occurred in the past can also be the reason.
- Feeling pain while walking and rising from a seated position.
- Loss of Blood supply to the thighbone.
- Lack of mobility.
Causes
- Wear and tear on joints with age.
- Broken bone due to an injury in the past is another cause. Sometimes we oversight small pain and injuries and afterward it grows to such a level that needs to be treated with such surgeries.
- Infection by bacteria or viruses or deformities in joints, bones, tissues which increase with age can also result in Hip pain.
- Osteoarthritis – One of the most prevailing forms of arthritis and has affected millions of people around the globe. Cartilage is a protective material on the ends of bones that works as a cushion between the joints, sometimes breaks down due to wear and tear with age. It is most common in older people. In this situation, Bones starts to rub against each other and creates stiffness in the body which causes the pain. Osteoarthritis mostly affects the knee and hip.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – Autoimmune Disease – When body tissues get attacked by their own immune system which causes it to swollen and causes pain & illnesses. People relate it with Osteoarthritis but both of these diseases are different. This disease can begin at any time in life, unlike Osteoarthritis which usually begins later in life. In some cases, many women have experienced stiffness in the body for about an hour after sleeping for long hours.
- Arthritis – It comes with age and it slowly increases the wear and tear of the muscles. With age, Joints in the body wear out and thus people face pain while doing Daily activities like moving, walking. Swelling can also increase pain when not treated properly and at the right time.
- Fractures – We all got injured one or the other time. Some of us have faced such a situation when we feel the pain while straightening or lifting weights and similar activities. With age, the density of bone also becomes weak and then such Fractures when not treated in proper time can cause pain in older women.
- Hernia – It is the Groin area which is sometimes known as sports hernias. Pregnant women may suffer from more pain due to added pressure on the abdomen.
- Back – A most important part of the body is one of the important reasons for causing Hip pain if not curbed at the right time.
- Back pain, pain, while dressing up or putting shoes and socks, are some of the signs to be careful off, because, it can grow into hip pain after a few years. Sports injuries, Lifting Heavyweight, problems with stretching are some of the other causes which lead to pain in Hip.
The Recovery Process after Surgery
The success of any surgery depends on how well the instructions of the particular doctor have been followed post-treatment. The first few days or maybe even a week is spent at the hospital under Doctor Guidance. A patient tends to feel constipated due to limited activity. There may be an upset stomach ache due to antibiotics and medicines given to the patient. It is common in post surgeries. Ensure to take advice with your doctor about diet and to include fresh fruits and vegetables.
Physical Therapy
It is one of the essential parts of recovery and is one of the most adopted ways of providing relief to people immediately and helps to strengthen the Hip Joint. A qualified therapist can work out rigidity and diminish the pain. The joint is shaky after the replacement and so proper care are required. It can also dislocate more readily than usual. The necessary precautions are needed to minimize the risk of dislocating until the muscles and ligaments have improved and the joint is better supported. The therapist recommends doing small exercises which include relaxation of muscles. The intent of this therapy is to bring the patient on the same level where he/she can perform and enjoy daily activities without any pain. The therapist persistently tries to strengthen the weak muscles. Usually, a patient starts to walk with the help of a walker. Physical therapy in hospitals is done only for a few days or maybe a week and continued practice is required from the home of the patient. However, this therapy can sometimes continue for weeks and months till it is properly cured and the patient is satisfied.
Due to the incision which is closed with staples, it is advised to avoid using creams, lotions or any kind of ointments on Hip. Some swelling around the incision is normal. It is advised to wear loose clothes and avoid strain on the incision. To avoid getting out of the bed when you have to urinate, a catheter, small Tube is connected to your bladder which is usually removed after 24 hours. Doctors sometimes advise and place a cushion between the legs of the patient to keep the new hip in the correct position. After a few weeks, most of the recovery is from the home where the patient has to follow instructions of the doctor and exercise regularly to have the replaced hip joint last longer.
Apart from above, other preventive measures taken after the surgery are:
- Not to sit with crossed legs as it results in dislocation of replaced joint because in this position the hip bends and gets strained.
- Another important thing to be careful of being while getting in and out of the bed. Try to sleep on your back or it is invariably better to use a pillow between legs while sleeping. Always get out of the bed on the same side as your operated leg. Make use of elbows to help and take small steps while walking. Pivoting or twisting of the involved leg should be avoided. Extra care should be given while sitting. It’s highly advised not to sit on low chairs and the patient should avoid leaning forward as much as possible. It can create a lot of strain and uneasiness if not taken care of properly. In some cases, a patient has to undergo surgery again. Take periodic walks and avoid sitting for long hours. It is hugely advised to not bend over, raise your legs or cross them while getting dressed. While dressing always dress the leg which has been operated on first and ensure to undress it last.
- Be careful of irregular and wet grounds. While bathing, do not bend or squat to wash your legs and feet. Do not bend to pick up objects from the floor. Use long-handled equipment or accessories for extra safety and convenience. While standing on your feet, weight should be evenly distributed on both legs.
- Sit while preparing the food. Moreover, stock up on easy to prepare foods, frozen or canned to avoid any discomfort or uneasiness.
- Activities like driving a car or gardening should be avoided. Seek permission from your doctor before driving a car. Added care is needed when getting in and out of the car so that legs don’t cross accidentally.
- The use of an elevated toilet seat can be very advantageous as it reduces the stress in Hip while you sit and stand. Avoid bending at the hip past 90 degrees. Keep stair climbing minimum. Should be done only when necessary.
- Only light work should be undertaken. Heavy lifting or unusual activities should be avoided until the Hip is healed completely. Force movements at the hip should be avoided. Do not raise your knee higher than your hip.
- Exercises instructed by the doctor should be followed.
- Have a positive attitude.
- Short Term Recovery – When a patient can sleep without pills or walk around the house for continued periods of time without the use of aids, medicines without pain or resting then all these are considered to be short term recovery signs. The results in the past have been very fruitful. Patients have recovered completely and as fit as a fiddle!!!