This joint replacement surgery aims to relieve pain and improve hip mobility and function. If you are considering hip replacement surgery to regain your quality of life, at COPAC you will find first-class specialists and personalized care to ensure a successful recovery.
Hip arthroplasty is an orthopedic surgery where damaged bone and cartilage are replaced with artificial prostheses. Hip prostheses are made of different materials and can be: metal-polyethylene prostheses, ceramic-ceramic prostheses or metal-to-metal prostheses; Your choice will depend on the age, activity and health of the patient.
During the procedure, the orthopedic surgeon makes an incision in the hip to access inside the joint; Subsequently, the worn bone and cartilage are removed and replaced by the hip prosthesis. This prosthesis is made up of a metal or ceramic femoral head that is inserted into the femur bone and a metal or plastic cup (or acetabulum) that is inserted into the pelvis.
Depending on the case, a rod may also be placed in the femur to provide greater stability. After the procedure, the patient will need to follow a physiotherapy programme that contributes to hip mobility and function.
Hip replacement surgery is necessary when the damage or wear and tear on the hip is so severe that it causes pain and limits the proper functioning of the joint. The most common cause of damage to this structure is arthritis, although the problem can also stem from a fracture or injury to the hip bone.
Hip replacement surgery is generally recommended after unsuccessful attempts to relieve discomfort with conservative treatment (medication and physical therapy).
Preparing well in advance is critical to help make the recovery process as quick and effective as possible. Some actions you can take into consideration in your preparation for hip replacement are:
Make sure you have a plan for your care when you return home. This may include a person to assist you with your homework, transportation after surgery, and recommended physical therapy.
Talk to your doctor about frequently used medications and any other health problems that may affect surgery or recovery.
Stay in good physical shape, post-surgery recovery can be much easier when the patient performs strengthening and flexibility exercises prior to the procedure.
Prepare your home for recovery, this includes placing everyday objects in accessible places, providing a comfortable space to rest and sleep, among others.
Risk factors in hip replacement are:
Age: Patients over 60 years of age are at greater risk of complications, and their recovery tends to be longer.
Obesity: Obese people are prone to complications due to the large amount of pressure that the hip joint is subjected to.
Previous illnesses: Diabetes, heart disease, and autoimmune diseases such as arthritis can cause difficulties during surgery and delay a patient's recovery.
History of thrombosis or embolism: People with a history of blood clots are at high risk for complications during and after hip replacement.
Smoke: In smoking patients, healing is slower and the risk of infections is higher.
The cost of this procedure can vary depending on several factors such as: the complexity of the surgery, the type of prosthesis to be used, the general state of health and the patient’s preferences. We recommend that you consult with one of COPAC’s orthopedic specialists, so that they can assess your case and issue a quote adapted to your specific situation.
The postoperative care of a hip replacement is essential for a successful recovery; as well as to avoid future complications. Some of the common care in these cases are the following:
Early mobilization: It is important for the patient to start moving as soon as possible after surgery to prevent blood clots and improve circulation in the operated leg.
Physiotherapy: Physical therapy helps restore hip strength and movement. A specialized professional can design a personalized exercise program according to the needs of each patient.
Drugs: Your doctor will tell you which medicines to take to control pain and prevent blood clots.
Wound care: It is essential to keep the wound clean and dry to prevent infections; Therefore, be sure to follow the hygiene instructions provided by your doctor.
Mobility aid: Some patients may need to use crutches, walkers, or canes to begin walking and reduce the pressure on the operated leg.
The duration of rehabilitation after hip replacement surgery can vary depending on the patient and the complexity of the surgery they underwent; Generally, this stage can last anywhere from several weeks to a few months. In the immediate aftermath of surgery, patients are expected to perform gentle recovery exercises and be taught to walk with mobility supports (crutches or cane).
As the patient regains strength and range of motion, they will be able to initiate more intense physical therapy exercises to help strengthen the hip and improve flexibility and mobility. Physiotherapeutic support can last several months, during this time, it is important to fully follow the instructions and recommendations of both the specialist and the physiotherapist, in order to have a full recovery.
After the procedure, the amount of movement and function of the hip should improve significantly compared to the days leading up to surgery. Most patients experience a decrease in pain and are able to perform normal daily activities without difficulty after the recovery period. However, your hip may not be exactly the same as it was before surgery.
Patients may have some restrictions on certain activities and should follow the guidelines and recommendations of the doctor and physical therapist to ensure proper recovery. In general, hip arthroplasty has a high success rate in terms of reducing pain and improving joint function in operated patients.
The duration of a hip replacement can vary depending on factors such as: the technique used, the experience of the surgeon and the complexity of the procedure. In this sense, hip arthroplasty usually takes approximately 2 to 4 hours.
After hip replacement, there are certain activities that should be avoided so as not to expose the prosthesis to unnecessary overload, wear or injury. Some of the activities to avoid include:
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