Hip Replacement
Your hip joint needs replacement when it cannot help you to walk comfortably. Osteoarthritis of the hip, hip fracture, decaying of the ball of the hip joint and when the joint is not developed properly cause severe pain in the hip and walking disability. In addition to this, rheumatoid arthritis can fuse the joint surface and make it solid, allowing no movement. In severe form of arthritis and fractures, the leg becomes short. You will walk with a limp. There are rare occasions where failed hip fracture treatment requiring total hip replacement.
Will It Help Me To Be Pain-Free And Walk Normally ?
Yes. You will be pain free immediately after operation. Length of the leg is resorted to be equal. You will be walking normally. It also helps you to
1. Improve range of hip motion
2. Improve how you walk/sit
3. Cut down the need for pain killers thereby reducing the side effects and saves money.
4. Be no longer disabled/handicapped
5. Be able to move with the rest of the crowd
6. Be independent.
7. Prevent the other hip and knees becoming arthritic
8. Reduce your clinic visits/consultation requirement.
9. And many more benefits
Can Not The Medication Cure This?
Never ever.Never ever. In fact, if your hip already look like the picture, I would say it is too late that you should get it replaced. There are many expensive so called cartilage growing tablets, oils, milk powders, pastes and injections which are extensively marketed and advertised in newspapers, television and other media. None of them will help you. You may have realized this if you have already used these fake products. No one should wait until your hip look like this.
Other anti-inflammatory medication will help to reduce joint swelling and relieve pain as long as the medication is taken. Pain will come back when the action of the drug weans off. The ultimate cure is replacement
What About Injections ? Any Help ?
This is of temporary help only. It will not give you a cure. PRP injection may help at a very early stage of the disease. When it comes to moderate to severe arthritis, it has a little help.
Is Hip Replacement A Major Operation ?
Yes. It is a major operation.
What Are The Age Limits
A regular replacement is considered when you are above 55 years of age and below 75. However there are patients who will need replacement beyond these age limits.
What Kind Of Anaesthesia Is Used For This Procedure ?
It could be either general anaesthetic where you will be put into sleep. It could be spinal type of anaesthetic where your legs are numbed. Please read anaesthetics for lower limb surgery.
What Do You Do In This Surgery ?
Your affected hip will be cut opened through an incision over the side of the hip or at the back of the hip.
Hip is a ball and socket type joint. In the conditions mentioned above either part of the joint can be damaged. Both the surfaces need replacement.
The damaged inner socket will be shaped up to accommodate a new metal socket. The damaged ball head is removed at level of the neck. A new head is fitted to the femur. The ball and socket is put back in place.
If we find you bone quality is poor, a cement paste is used to fix the metal to the bones instead of screws.
Will There Be A Blood Loss ?
There will be about 100-250ml of blood loss during the operation.
Is It Painful ?
Pain is well controlled during and after the operation with latest methods of pain treatments. You do not have to worry about this. There will be little discomfort but this will gradually improve as the days go by.
Will I Be Bedridden For Months ?
No. not at all. We will get you off bed next day morning. You are supposed to sit on a chair. We will start physiotherapy as you feel better. You are supposed to stand with a help of a walking frame.
You will be asked to walk few steps, climb few stairs before you go home.
When Can I Go Home ?
It is usually a three night stay for a regular patient.
What Should I Do At Home ?
You will need to continue medication as directed. You need to follow physiotherapy at home. You ll taught what to do and what not to do.
When Is The First Clinic Visit ?
Your wound will be checked at one week after the operation. If clips were used to close the wound, they will be removed at two weeks after the operation.
When Can I Have A Shower ?
We will recommend you not to wet the wound before the clips are removed. You may have a shower with the operated leg covered with a waterproof cover. Having a shower after two weeks is not a problem.
Any Special Food I Need To Take ?
You are supposed to have your regular usual meals. Nothing special needed if you are otherwise healthy. There is no unhealthy food that should not be taken after this operation.
When Can I Drive My Car ?
You may drive when you are comfortable. We would recommend not to drive, ride bicycles until after eight weeks
My Question Is Not Listed
You may drive when you are comfortable. We would recommend not to drive, ride bicycles until after eight weeks