Do you require Hip Replacement
Overview
Hip replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces a portion of the pelvis and femur (thighbone) with artificial material. The hip joint is the ball-and-socket joint between your thighbone and lower leg bone.
Hip replacement can relieve hip pain and stiffness caused by hip arthritis. It may also treat injuries such as a broken or improperly growing hip and other conditions.
Most patients are asked to stay in the hospital one or two nights after surgery. Some patients may be able to have a same-day hip replacement and return home after an outpatient procedure.
Patients who are below 75 and have no history of the cardiopulmonary disease may get both of their hips replaced at the same time.
Do you require a hip replacement?
If you have arthritis in your hip, the options for treatment can seem overwhelming. But don’t worry—your doctors will help you find the best path forward.
They’ll first try to get you as comfortable as possible, which means making sure you’re taking your medications regularly, staying active, and eating a balanced diet. In some cases, they may even recommend trying other treatments before suggesting a hip replacement.
If pain and stiffness are affecting your daily activities, or if managing your symptoms is becoming troublesome and if all of this is affecting your quality of life, then surgery could be an option for you. There are no age limits as such for having hip replacement surgery. Remember that replacement joints eventually wear out, so the younger you are while undergoing surgery, the more likely you’ll need follow-up surgery in the future.
What to expect post-op
After hip replacement surgery, you can expect some recovery time, which may feel like forever. But don’t let that discourage you!
You’ll be able to walk without a walker or cane for about three months, though your feet will still be sore. And once you’re up and around, you’ll be glad to know that hip replacement is one of the most effective ways to manage pain and stiffness caused by arthritis in the hip joint.
After three months, most people can go back to work. If not, they’ll need physical therapy to help them learn how to walk again and get back into shape.
How long will the replacements last?
Hip implants are like the modern-day version of a hip replacement prosthetic. They’re made of metal and plastic and sit in your hip’s socket to provide support for the joint. However, hip replacements do have their limitations. A hip replacement prosthesis is generally expected to last between 10 and 20 years, but some can last even longer.
When a hip implant needs to be replaced because it has loosened or worn out over time, it requires hip revision surgery.