Key Facts about Hip Joint Replacement
Hip Replacement is a common operation and is often recommended to treat osteoarthritis and for people aged between 60 to 80. The procedure is also known as an Arthroplasty. In England and Wales each year around 80,000 total hip replacement procedures are performed. Hip replacement surgery has changed greatly over time because of advancements made in surgical technologies and techniques. Below are answer to some of the key questions patients have regarding Hip Replacement surgery.
What is a total hip replacement?
A Total Hip Replacement can be described as a surgical procedure whereby the damaged and diseased parts of a hip joint are removed and then replaced with artificial and new parts. The hip joint is basically located at the meeting of the hip bone and the upper end of the thigh bone. The thigh bone normally has a ball at the end and it usually fits in the socket in the hip bone. This is what allows the joint to perform such a wide array of movements.
What happens during a total hip replacement operation?
Normally hip replacement surgery takes around 60 to 90 minutes to complete. It can be carried out by using an epidural anaesthetic – one where the lower body becomes numb – or a general anaesthetic – one where you are sleeping even as the procedure is being performed. After your anaesthesia has been administered your surgeon would normally make an incision at the side of your hip in order to remove the damaged ball and socket and replace it with new ones, called a prosthesis. The prosthesis can be made from plastic, ceramic, or metals, and used in various combinations.
Who should get a hip replacement done?
If you have any damage or disease in your hip joint, this might be a reason for undergoing a hip replacement. The same also goes for people who suffer from persistent pain in the area that does not let them perform their daily activities. An Orthopaedic Surgeon would be able to tell you if you need surgery or not and if there is any other way in which your pain could be reduced.
Osteoarthritis
There are certain conditions where you need a hip replacement. The most prominent among these is osteoarthritis. It is also referred to as wear and tear arthritis. In this case the cartilage – a flexible and tough tissue that plays the roles of mould and shock absorber – within your hip joint becomes worn away. This in turn causes your bones to rub against each other.
