Our hip structure is made of ball-and-socket joints. This joint gives us a good range of motion. The top of our thigh bone, where the ball is placed, is known as the femoral head. The ball rotates within the socket in the pelvis, which is known as the acetabulum.
In hip replacement surgery, damaged parts of hip joints are replaced with prosthesis. Usually, the socket and ball are damaged and replaced with prosthesis made of metal, heavy plastic, or ceramic. The major reason for getting a hip replacement is osteoarthritis. Some other reasons could be injury or hip dysplasia.
Types of Hip Replacement Surgery
There are three most commonly performed hip replacement surgeries which are:
Total Hip Replacement: In the procedure the total hip joint which includes the ball and socket is replaced with an artificial ball and socket made of heavy material for longer durability.
Partial Hip Replacement: Unlike total hip replacement, in partial replacement, only the ball is replaced, not the socket.
Hip Revision Surgery: After wear and tear, if the prosthesis gets loose or infected, revision hip replacement surgery is performed.
Cost of Hip Replacement Surgery in India:
The cost of the surgery may vary from patient to patient depending on the severity of the pain, age, previous medical history of the patient, and many other factors.
We will still give you an estimated idea of the cost so that you can plan your budget accordingly.
Do I need surgery?
If you have arthritis, your doctor may recommend you try conservative treatments before directly suggesting surgery. These treatments include weight management, physiotherapy, walking aids, or steroid injections. Well, it totally depends on the severity of the hip condition.
Some people may get relief from conservative treatment, and some may not and need surgery.
If pain and stiffness are causing you serious issues and you are unable to perform basic daily activities like walking, sitting, and standing, surgery is the best option.
Benefits of Hip Surgery
After the surgery, gradually with medications and physiotherapy, patients start getting more flexible. Here are some post-surgery benefits:
Less Pain: If you have constant, severe hip pain that doesn't get better with pills, therapy, or injections, hip replacement surgery can help. Most people who go through this surgery feel decreased pain and stiffness.
Easier Movement: Bad hip pain can make it hard to walk, climb stairs, exercise, or even put on your shoes and socks. A hip replacement surgery can cure the stiffness of your hip, so you can move more easily.
Good and Long-Lasting Results: Many people who get a hip replacement are happy with the results. Up to 90% of them! Plus, the implant can usually last 15 to 20 years.
Recovery Time After Hip Replacement Surgery:
The Day of Your Hip Replacement Surgery
The surgery will take few hours. After it's done, you will spend some time in a recovery room as you wake up from the anesthesia. Once fully awake, you will be shifted to a hospital room.
Post-Surgery
After the surgery, you might feel some pain but don't worry, you will get medication to reduce the pain. At first, you might breathe in a shallow way because of the medicine and being in bed. But it's important to cough and take deep breaths to clear your lungs.
The Day After Surgery
Now it's time to start moving the hip joint. A Physiotherapist will teach you some exercises to strengthen the muscles around it.
1-2 Days After
You will continue with exercises and walking, possibly using a walker. As your pain decreases, you will switch from pain medication to pills. you will also switch from a liquid diet to regular food.
2-3 Days After
If everything is going well, you will get a discharge. If you live alone make sure you have arranged for help with things like transportation, groceries, and other essential items because you won't be able to drive for 3-6 weeks.
4 Days After
Take good care of your incision area. Keep it dry and avoid creams or lotions. Keep your new hip joint moving and stick to the exercises you learned at the hospital.
10-14 Days
If you have stitches that don't dissolve, you will have to get them removed. Now, your pain should be much less, and you might not need pain medication anymore.
3-6 Weeks
You should be able to do most of your usual light activities, although you may still feel a bit of discomfort or soreness, especially by the end of the day.
10-12 Weeks
Most of your pain and swelling should be gone. Moving around will be easier, and you can probably do most of your regular daily activities, whether it's gardening, dancing, or taking long walks. you will have follow-up visits with your doctor for the first year after the surgery to make sure everything is going smoothly.
Conclusion:
Hip replacement surgery is a great innovation in medical science that provides relief and mobility for people suffering from hip-related problems. When conservative treatments do not show any improvement in the patient, hip replacement surgery is recommended.
I have also gone through total hip replacement surgery. I had osteoarthritis, and I was recommended for surgery by my orthopedic surgeon. I am from Agra, and I was not able to get the best treatment in my city, so my uncle advised me to go to Delhi because the cost of hip replacement surgery in Delhi is affordable. In Delhi, you can easily find many hospitals and doctors there.
The hospital in which I got my surgery had very nice staff, doctors, and infrastructure. You can also come to Delhi if you are not able to get treatment in your city. Not just the hip, but the cost of knee replacement surgery in Delhi is also affordable. But you should always do proper research before finalizing a doctor or a hospital.
Hip replacement surgery can give you a better quality of life, offering relief and independence, regardless of age.
