Hip replacement surgery is a treatment option for those with severe hip joint disease, often caused by arthritis.
Hip replacement is an excellent procedure for reducing pain and increasing mobility in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the hip joint.
A total hip replacement involves replacing the patient’s natural hip joint surfaces, specifically the femoral head (upper-ball part) and the acetabulum (socket). Both these parts are replaced with metal, plastic, and ceramic components.
As hip joint pain is commonly suffered by older adults, and as the population continues to grow, the demand for hip joint surgery is expected to grow in the future. Hip replacement surgery is a common procedure already and is performed millions of times every year.
How Hip Replacement Surgery is Performed?
A couple of days before your operation, you will usually be asked to stop taking any medicines that thin your blood. These include aspirin, warfarin, and some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. Your surgeon or anesthetist will give you advice on any other medicines you need to stop taking prior to the operation.
On the day of your operation, you will have a chance to talk to the surgeon again about what is going to happen. You may also see an anesthetist at this time.
You’ll have several tests beforehand, including a blood test and an electrocardiogram (ECG) – where electrodes are attached to your chest to monitor your heart’s activity. The results of these tests help the surgical team assess your general level of health and decide whether it is safe for you to have an anesthetic. Any concerns should be raised with your doctor or nurse at this point.
During the surgery, your surgeon will make a cut on the side of your thigh and move muscles away from your hip joint to reach your femur (thigh bone). Your surgeon will then prepare the surface of your femur for an artificial stem that will fit inside it. They’ll then place this stem into your femur and secure it with either cement or screws.
There are several types of prosthetic joints that can be used. These include:
- Metal on plastic – ball is metallicand socket is made from plastic
- Metal on metal – both the ball and socket are made from metal alloy
- Ceramic on ceramic – both the ball and socket are made from ceramic material
It’s Safe (And Assure Successful Outcome)
The long-term safety and effectiveness of hip replacement operations are well established. Most people who have the operation will benefit from it in terms of reduced pain and increased mobility.
If you or your loved ones have a hip problem, consult a specialist that offers the best orthopedic treatment in Kolkata. First, they will recommend conservative options to treat your hip problems, which can include medications, lifestyle changes, and physiotherapy.
If none of these work, they will recommend a hip replacement. Get in touch with the best hip replacement surgeon in Kolkata, talk to them about the procedure, and move forward with the surgery and towards better orthopedic health.