Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip Replacement Surgery

More than 193,000 artificial hip replacement surgeries are performed yearly. Hip replacement surgery may become necessary if activities such as walking, sitting, or even resting become painful.

Who might be a candidate for hip replacement surgery?

The most common condition that results in the need for hip replacement surgery is arthritis. Osteoarthritis, a degenerative, joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults, causes the breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bone in the hips. Rheumatoid arthritis, which causes inflammation of the synovial membrane and results in excessive synovial fluid, can lead to pain and stiffness. Traumatic arthritis, arthritis due to injury, can cause damage to the articular cartilage of the hip.

The decision to go through artificial hip replacement surgery is a decision made by the patient and physician. Other, alternative treatments may first be used, including assistive walking devices and anti-inflammatory medications.

What happens before hip replacement surgery?

In addition to a complete medical history, your physician may perform a complete physical examination, including x-rays, to ensure you are in good health before undergoing surgery. In addition, you may also meet with a physical therapist to discuss rehabilitation after the surgery and undergo blood tests (or other tests).

How is a hip replaced during hip replacement surgery?

Although each procedure varies, generally, hip replacement surgery usually lasts a few hours.

The two most common types of artificial hip prostheses used in hip replacement surgery are cemented prostheses or uncemented prostheses. Sometimes, a combination of the two types is used to replace a hip. A hip prosthesis is made up of metal and plastic. A cemented prosthesis is attached to the bone with a type of surgical cement. An uncemented prosthesis attaches to the bone with a fine mesh of holes on the surface, in order for the bone to grow into the mesh and attach naturally to the prosthesis.

The prosthesis (artificial hip) is comprised of the following two components:

metal ball component
plastic socket component (which may have a metal outer shell)

While undergoing hip replacement surgery, the patient may be under general anesthesia or awake with spinal anesthesia.

After hip replacement surgery:

Hip replacement surgery usually requires an in-hospital stay of several days. Even while in the hospital, the patient usually begins physical therapy exercises to begin regaining range-of-motion in the hip. Physical therapy will continue at home. Pain medication also will be administered to keep the patient comfortable.

The incision will have stitches or staples that will be removed after a few weeks.

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The content provided here is for informational purposes only, and was not designed to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, or replace the professional medical advice you receive from your physician. Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.

Related Topics:
Hip Replacement Surgery
Anatomy of a Joint

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