Total Hip Arthroplasty, commonly known as The Total Hip Replacement is the most successful and cost effective surgery performed under orthopedics. In total hip replacement the hip joint is replaced with implants (prostheses) for the patients suffering from degenerative hip osteoarthritis to help provide relief with their ever so lasting pain hence improving their overall life. The person suffering from such a condition experiences extreme discomfort while walking and movements that require bending at the hip. In this procedure the surgeon replaces the degenerated section of the hip joint and replaces it with parts made out of metal, ceramic and even at times hard plastic is preferred as a building material for the damaged part during the surgery.
Who should undergo total hip replacement?
In most of the cases a patient suffering from Osteoarthritis whose day to day movement has been hampered because of the pain is the perfect candidate to undergo hip replacement.
- Rest, the patients encountering following symptoms should consider hip replacement:
- Severe pain that is not administered by medication
- Hip stiffness that restricts motion and makes walking extremely difficult
- Post traumatic arthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis including juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- Avascular necrosis
- Congenital hip dislocations and dysplasia
Procedure:
- Anti-inflammatory medicines are discontinued a week prior to the surgery because of the adverse effect of these medicines on the platelet function and the blood clotting of the patient.
- A complete blood count of the patient is done, along with electrolytes (potassium, sodium, chloride) tests, blood tests for kidney and liver functions, Urinalysis, Chest X-ray,EKG.
- Pre-operational exercise is recommended by the doctors prior to the surgery to build muscle and increase flexibility. This helps in the recovery post-surgery.
- During the procedure, Anesthesia is administered.
- The surgeon then makes an incision either on the side or at the back of the hip cutting through the skin, and then through the muscle and other soft tissue to expose the bone at the hip joint.
- The joint is then dislocated in such a way so as to remove the head of the femur and its socket in the pelvis.
- The Arthritic Femoral head is then removed.
- A tool called the hemispheric reamer is used to grind and shape the socket.
- Into the reshaped socket an acetabular cup is placed.
- Inside the acetabular cup a rounded acetabular liner is placed.
- The femur bone is prepared and the doctor inserts the prosthetic femoral stem into it.
- The doctor then places a temporary prosthetic ball into the socket and tries to move the hip around to check ease of motion and to check whether it dislocates or not.
- An X-ray is then taken to ensure proper positioning of the components.
Risks factors involved:
- Blood clots can occur in the veins of the legs after the surgery.
- Infection can be developed at the site of incision or in the soft tissues beneath the skin.
- During the surgery, any portion of the hip bone might get fractured.
- A dislocation at the socket might occur ruining the entire process of surgery.
- The new joint at the socket might remain loose hampering the smooth motion of the patient.
- Nerve damage is rare but nerve damage can occur at the site of implant resulting in extreme pain post surgery.
Why Eternal Hospital?
At Eternal Hospital, we have a highly qualified and dedicated team of doctors who are always committed to providing the latest and most advanced medical care to all our patients. Being a trusted name in healthcare, we act compassionately while ensuring confidentiality to those who need it. We have set high standards in patient-centric premium care and outstanding patient safety, and exceptional maintenance in a timely manner. In addition, we adhere to the use of up-to-the-minute innovations to offer state-of-the-art treatments to our patients with unparalleled results.
