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Hip Replacement - Diagnosis, Surgery & Recovery

Hip replacement surgery offers a solution to persistent hip joint pain. During the hip replacement procedure, a doctor replaces your painful hip joint with an artificial implant, providing you with relief from the discomfort caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. At HeptaCare Health, our dedicated team of orthopaedic doctors is well-versed in executing various types of hip replacement surgeries with commendable precision and success rates. Consult our expert orthopaedic surgeons at HeptaCare Health to for advanced and minimally invasive hip replacement surgery.

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What is Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is a procedure performed by an orthopaedic surgeon to treat severe pain caused by arthritis in the hip joint. Osteoarthritis is a condition that wears down the cartilage and bones in our joints, causing pain and stiffness. In this hip replacement procedure, the painful hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint (implant) made from metal, ceramic, or very hard plastic.

Hip replacement surgery is frequently advised for patients who have not found relief through non-surgical options like physical therapy or medications. The benefits of hip replacement surgery include relieving pain, enhancing mobility, and improving both function and quality of life for patients experiencing hip damage, often due to arthritis.

Types of Hip Replacement Surgery?

Several types of hip replacement surgeries can be performed depending on the individual’s medical condition and needs:

  • Total Hip Replacement: This procedure involves removing the entire hip joint and replacing it with an artificial implant. Both the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) are replaced during this operation.
  • Partial Hip Replacement: In this type of hip replacement procedure, only the ball (femoral head) of the joint is replaced. It’s commonly performed in elderly patients who have suffered a hip fracture.
  • Hip Revision Surgery: This surgery involves replacing a worn out or loose artificial hip joint. It’s also referred to as repeat hip replacement.
  • Hip Resurfacing: This is a less invasive type of hip replacement surgery where less bone from the joint is removed. It’s often used in younger adults who have stronger bones.
  • Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery: This hip replacement procedure uses smaller incisions to reduce pain and speed up recovery. However, it may not be suitable for everyone and depends on the patient’s specific condition and overall health.

Diagnosis Before Hip Replacement Surgery

Before recommending hip replacement surgery, your doctor will need to diagnose the extent of the damage caused by arthritis. This diagnosis typically involves a series of steps:

  • Physical Examination: The doctor will assess the level of pain in your hip, your joint’s range of motion, and stability. They will also check for signs of inflammation like swelling or warmth.
  • Medical History: The doctor will ask you about your symptoms, when you started to feel pain, what intensifies or reduces your pain, and if there are any activities that are restricted due to this condition.
  • Imaging Tests: X-Rays will give the doctors a clear picture of joint damage and bone spurs. For more detailed images of the hip joint and surrounding soft tissues, MRI or CT scans might be used.

What is the Procedure of Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is a common and effective procedure to relieve hip pain and restore mobility. Here’s what you can expect during the hip replacement procedure:

  • Anaesthesia: You will be given either general anaesthesia or a spinal/epidural block. An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted for fluids and medications.
  • Incision: The surgeon makes an incision over the side or back of your hip to expose the hip joint.
  • Removing Damaged Bone and Cartilage: The surgeon removes the damaged ball (femoral head) and prepares the thigh bone (femur) to receive the stem of the new joint.
  • Implanting the New Joint: The surgeon inserts the new metal, plastic or ceramic joint components into the femur and pelvis. The new ball is then placed into the hip socket.
  • Closing the Incision: The incision is closed with stitches or staples. A drain might be placed to remove excess fluid.

The surgery typically lasts 1-2 hours. Following the procedure, you’ll be relocated to a room to facilitate the recovery process after hip replacement surgery.

Who Is The Right Candidate For Hip Replacement Surgery?

Deciding on hip replacement surgery is a significant step and depends greatly on the individual’s pain levels, mobility issues and overall health. While each case is unique, certain factors can indicate whether someone is a suitable candidate for hip replacement surgery:

  • Chronic Hip Pain: If your hip pain limits everyday activities such as walking or bending, or persists while resting day or night, you might be a candidate for this surgery.
  • Moderately or Severely Damaged Hip: If your hip joint is damaged as seen on an X-ray and your mobility is significantly hampered, you could benefit from hip replacement surgery.
  • Ineffective Non-Surgical Treatments: If measures like physical therapy, walking supports, and anti-inflammatory drugs have not helped alleviate your pain or improve function, hip replacement might be the right choice.

It’s best to discuss all these aspects with your doctor to understand the benefits, potential risks and complications of hip replacement surgery.

What Are The Benefits Of Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is a transformative procedure that can vastly improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from severe hip pain. The benefits of hip replacement surgery include:

  • Pain Relief: By replacing the affected hip joint with an artificial one, the debilitating pain associated with a damaged hip can be significantly reduced or entirely eliminated.
  • Improvement in Mobility and Strength: Patients typically experience enhanced coordination, range of motion, and strength, allowing them to perform routine activities unaided during the recovery process after hip replacement surgery.
  • High Success Rate: Hip replacement surgery boasts one of the highest patient satisfaction rates amongst joint replacement procedures.
  • Long-lasting Results: The artificial hip implants used in contemporary surgeries are built to last many years, thereby providing long-term relief.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: The reduction in pain and increased mobility often lead to greater self-reliance and an improved overall sense of well-being for most recipients of this surgery.

How To Prepare For Hip Replacement Surgery?

Preparing for a hip replacement surgery involves a few crucial steps to ensure optimal results post-surgery. Here is what you need to know about the hip replacement surgery preparation:

  • Physical Examination and Medical History: The doctor will assess your overall health status and hip function. They will also discuss potential risks and complications and guide you about the expected outcomes.
  • Imaging Tests: Detailed images of your hip joint, obtained through X-rays, MRIs or CT scans, will guide your surgeon in making precise surgical plans.
  • Medication: You may be advised to take blood thinners and antibiotics before and after your surgery to prevent potential risks and complications.
  • Home setup: You will need help at home during your recovery process after hip replacement surgery. Installing grab bars in places like bathrooms can make movement easier for you.

What Are The Recovery Tips and Precautions To Follow After Hip Replacement Surgery?

Once the surgery is complete, recovery becomes the next critical phase. Here are some general tips for a smooth recovery process after hip replacement surgery:

  • Limit Hip Flexion: Refrain from deep sitting, squatting or bending to pick up items to avoid flexing the hip beyond 90 degrees.
  • Avoid Crossing Legs: Keep your operative leg in front while putting on socks or shoes without crossing your legs.
  • Sleep with a Pillow between Legs: This will help maintain proper hip alignment during sleep.
  • Use Assistive Devices: Initially, walking aids like crutches or a walker may be needed. As strength improves, a cane can be used.

Potential Risks Or Complications Associated With Hip Replacement Surgery

While hip replacement surgery is generally safe, every surgical procedure has potential risks. Here are some potential risks and complications you should be aware of:

  • Blood Clots: Use of preventive medications and compression socks helps reduce this risk.
  • Infection: Although it occurs only in a few cases, it can usually be treated effectively with antibiotics.
  • Dislocation: Proper positioning and adherence to precautions help minimise this risk during the initial recovery months.
  • Nerve Damage: Although a rare occurrence, this can lead to numbness, weakness or pain.
  • Leg Length Discrepancy: This issue is usually minor and improves with time and therapy.

It is always recommended that you discuss these potential risks and complications with your surgeon before deciding on a hip replacement surgery. For most patients, however, the benefits of hip replacement surgery far outweigh the risks, making it a highly successful procedure.

What Is The Cost Of Hip Replacement Surgery In India?

  • Hip replacement surgery is a crucial medical procedure designed to help individuals regain their mobility, reduce pain, and improve their quality of life. In India, the cost of hip replacement surgery can vary extensively, ranging from ₹1.5 lakhs to ₹7.5 lakhs. It largely depends on several factors:

    • Type of Hip Replacement: The cost of the procedure depends on the types of hip replacement surgeries. Total hip replacement surgery is typically at the higher end of the price spectrum, while partial hip replacement costs less.
    • Location: The cost of hip replacement surgery can also fluctuate based on the city in which you choose to have the procedure. For instance, in metro cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, surgical costs can be comparatively higher than in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
    • Hospital Facility: Premium private hospitals generally charge more for the different types of hip replacement surgeries than government or mid-range private hospitals.
    • Implant Type: The cost of hip replacement surgery can also be influenced by the type of implant used. Advanced implants like ceramic or metallic ones are more costly than conventional ones.
    • Surgeon Experience: Highly experienced orthopaedic surgeons may charge higher consultation and surgical fees.
    • Additional Costs: Expenses like pre-operative tests, post-surgery physiotherapy, and hospital stay should also be factored into the overall cost of hip replacement surgery.

Is Hip Replacement Surgery Covered Under Insurance?

Yes, in most cases, the various types of hip replacement surgeries are covered under most health insurance plans in India, including government schemes like Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This means that depending on your insurance policy, a significant portion of your cost of hip replacement surgery could be met by your insurance provider. This could cover the cost of the implant, surgeon’s fees, pre-operative tests and post-operative physiotherapy.

However, there might be some instances where insurance does not cover certain costs. This could include advanced ceramic implants, complications arising from pre-existing conditions, procedures deemed “cosmetic” or “experimental”, or costs exceeding the insurance policy limits.

So, it’s advisable to thoroughly understand your policy, its inclusions, and exclusions, before proceeding with the hip replacement surgery preparation. If your existing health insurance plan does not cover hip replacement, consider purchasing a dedicated orthopaedic or joint replacement insurance policy.

In conclusion, it’s crucial to communicate with both your orthopaedic surgeon and your insurance provider to ensure you are fully aware of the financial obligations of a hip replacement surgery. This can help you plan better financially and enjoy the benefits of improved mobility post-surgery without any added stress.

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