Total Hip Replacement Surgery
The end portion of the thighbone affected by arthritis is replaced with a metal head that can be cemented with special glue to the stem of the thighbone (or) can be uncemented (in younger patients). The socket is replaced with a metallic cup and high density plastic is used as an insert into it. The socket is usually left uncemented (screws are used to connect to the thighbone). The Total Hip Replacement procedure enables restoration of the natural gliding motion of the joint.
What is a total hip replacement?
When the hip joint has worn to the point when it no longer does its job, an artificial hip (called prosthesis) made of metal and plastic can take its place. The surgery to implant the prosthesis is termed a total hip replacement. The hip replacement recreates the normal function of the hip. While the idea of getting an artificial hip joint may be frightening to some, it is one of the safest and most effective medical procedures.
- Total hip replacement, which entails replacing the acetabulum with an artificial liner as well as replacing the proximal femur with an artificial stem, is an excellent procedure for the treatment of hip pain and arthritis. Furthermore, it provides for a more mobile hip.
Who should have a total hip replacement?
- Total hip replacement is recommended for arthritic patients with severe pain and limited function.
- Patients at our Apollo Hospitals, Indore affiliate are encouraged to participate in a joint replacement seminar.
Benefits
- The most apparent benefit of hip replacement is dramatic pain relief. Almost all patients have complete, or near complete, relief of pain. As the pain lessens, function also improves. Most patients have better range of motion and limp less.
Proxima Hip Replacement Surgery
The Proxima Hip Replacement is also ideal for young patients. In this minimally-invasive procedure, the part of thighbone at the point where it begins is shaped and replaced by a metal head. This sits in a metal cup that is fitted into the socket.
Bilateral and Revision Hip Replacements are also done at Apollo Hospitals, India. Some hip surgeries can also be performed using minimally-invasive techniques.
- Total hip replacement, which entails replacing the acetabulum with an artificial liner as well as replacing the proximal femur with an artificial stem, is an excellent procedure for the treatment of hip pain and arthritis. Furthermore, it provides for a more mobile hip.
Who Should Have A Total Hip Replacement?
- Total hip replacement is recommended for arthritic patients with severe pain and limited function.
- Patients at our Apollo Hospitals, Indore affiliate are encouraged to participate in a joint replacement seminar.
Benefits - The most apparent benefit of hip replacement is dramatic pain relief. Almost all patients have complete, or near complete, relief of pain. As the pain lessens, function also improves. Most patients have better range of motion and limp less.
Revision Hip Surgery
Revision surgery is different in that the original components are removed and new components are implanted. The technical aspects of the surgery are more complex than the original total hip replacement. However, the preparation for surgery and hospital experience tends to be very similar to the primary total hip replacement. The choices for implant are also the same; both cemented and cementless components are used depending on the patient’s needs and the quality of bone present at surgery.
Possible Complications
The most common complications of total hip surgery can now largely be avoided. Before surgery each patient receives a complete medical examination by a doctor, as well as routine testing. Donation of one’s own blood prior to surgery can eliminate the problem of HIV and Hepatitis completely.
Possible local complications include: loosening, wear or breakage of the prosthesis, hip dislocation, infection, pain, stiffness, leg length inequality, delayed healing of bone and soft tissues, and heterotopic bone formation. Other rare complications include fracture of the femur or acetabulum, nerve and vascular injury.
Medical complications include: thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism (blood clot), urological complications and even death (0.1%) Other rare complications, which can be encountered with any surgery, include cardiac, digestive and lung problems.
