Total hip replacement, also known as hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint. The artificial joint, known as a prosthesis, is designed to mimic the natural movement of a healthy hip joint and can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility.
The procedure is typically performed on patients who have severe arthritis, hip fractures, or other conditions that have caused significant damage to the hip joint.
Preparation:
Before the surgery, the patient will undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure that they are healthy enough for the procedure. This may involve blood tests, imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI, and other diagnostic tests.
The patient may also be advised to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, in the days leading up to the surgery. They may also be asked to stop eating or drinking for a period of time before the surgery.
The Surgery:
Total hip replacement surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, which means the patient is asleep during the procedure. In some cases, spinal anesthesia may be used instead.
The surgeon makes an incision over the hip joint and removes the damaged or diseased bone and cartilage. The femoral head, which is the ball-shaped part of the hip joint, is removed and replaced with a metal stem that is inserted into the center of the femur bone. The hip socket is also reshaped and lined with a metal cup to hold the new ball-shaped prosthetic femoral head.
The prosthetic femoral head and metal cup are then secured together, either with or without bone cement. A plastic or ceramic spacer is placed between the two metal components to allow for smooth movement of the joint.
The incision is then closed with sutures or staples, and the patient is taken to a recovery room to begin the post-operative recovery process.
Recovery:
After surgery, the patient may spend several days in the hospital to recover. During this time, they will receive pain medication, antibiotics to prevent infection, and other treatments as needed.
The patient will also begin a course of physical therapy to help them regain strength and mobility in the hip joint. This may involve exercises, stretches, and other therapies to improve range of motion and reduce swelling and stiffness.
Full recovery from total hip replacement surgery can take several months, and the patient may need to continue with physical therapy and other treatments for some time after leaving the hospital.