Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip Replacement Surgery, also known as Hip Arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which an Orthopedic Surgeon replaces the hip joints damaged parts with artificial ones. These prosthetic components mimic the way the human hip joint normally functions. The hip joint, a ball and socket joint, is one of the bodys largest joints, formed by the upper end of the femur meeting the pelvis.

The types of implants used in this surgery are cemented implants and uncemented implants. Cemented implants are fixed using bone cement. Uncemented ones possess textured surfaces that promote the growth of new bone into the implant, thereby securing it in its place.

Indications for hip replacement surgery include conditions like arthritis (osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), osteonecrosis (bone death due to impaired blood supply), or hip fractures resulting from injuries or degenerative bone diseases. The objectives of surgery includes relieving pain associated with the damaged hip joint, improving joint function, and enhancing overall mobility.

Why is Hip Replacement Surgery needed?

The following diseases have the potential to harm the hip joint and necessitating Hip Replacement Surgery:

• Osteoarthritis: It is commonly called wear-and-tear arthritis. It damages the slick cartilage which covers the bones ends, helping the joints to move smoothly.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: It occurs because of immune system disorders. It causes inflammation that can damage the cartilage and occasionally the underlying bone. resulting deformed and malfunctioning joints.
• Osteonecrosis: It occurs due to lack of blood supply to the ball portion of the hip joint. This may eventually cause joint degeneration.

Other disorders that may damage the hip joint enough to necessitate the hip replacement are:

• Traumas from accidents or falls
• Hip dysplasia
• Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAI) or hip impingement
• Perthes disease
• Benign tumors
• Cancer

Your pre-evaluation procedure may involve following:

• A complete physical exam to confirm your suitability for surgery
• Blood tests
• Urinalysis
• Electrocardiogram to assess the condition of your heart
• Dental examination to lower the possibility of infection following surgery
• Imaging tests such as pelvic X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or a computed tomography (CT) scan
• Inform your doctor about any medications and over-the-counter supplements you have taken and you are currently taking
• You will be asked to stop taking certain medications or supplements before your surgery. As certain medication may interfere with the post-surgical healing process
• The day before surgery, your surgeon will advise you on when to stop eating and drinking. The majority of patients must abstain from food and liquids 12 hours prior to surgery

In the hospital settings, either a spinal block, which numbs the lower body, or a general anesthetic, which induces a sedative-like state, will be administered to you. In order to reduce pain following surgery, your surgeon may also inject numbing medication in close proximity of nerves or in and around the joint.

During the procedure, you may expect following:

• Generally, a hip replacement procedure takes one to two hours
• Your doctor will make a incision over the hip, cutting through the tissue layers of tissue
• The diseased and damaged bone/cartilage is removed, preserving the healthy bone
• Implants are placed in place of damaged hip bone
• Generally, a metal stem is inserted into the top of the thigh bone and then topped with a replacement ball
• The incisions will be secured using stitches and area will cleaned 

Like any surgery, hip replacement surgery has risks. Among them are:

• Blood Clots: Formation of clots in leg veins post-surgery poses a risk of clot fragments traveling to the lung, heart, or, rarely, the brain. Blood-thinning medications are employed to mitigate this risk.
• Infection: Infections can manifest at the incision site or in deeper tissues around the new hip. While most infections are treatable with antibiotics, severe cases near the new hip may necessitate surgical removal and replacement of artificial parts.
• Fracture: Healthy portions of the hip joint may fracture during surgery. Small fractures may heal independently, but larger ones might require stabilization with wires, screws, a metal plate, or bone grafts.
• Dislocation: Certain positions can lead to the dislodging of the new joint's ball from the socket, especially in the initial post-surgery months. Bracing can aid in maintaining correct hip position, but persistent dislocation may require surgical stabilization.
• Change in Leg Length: Despite preventive measures, a new hip may occasionally result in one leg being longer or shorter. Muscle contracture around the hip can contribute to this issue, and strengthening and stretching exercises may help. 
• Loosening: While rare with modern implants, the new joint may not securely attach to the bone or may loosen over time, causing hip pain. Surgical intervention may be necessary to address this problem.
• Nerve Damage: Though it happens very rarely, it may lead to numbness, weakness, and pain on occurrence.

The duration of your hospital stay post-surgery will be decided according to your specific needs. However, many individuals may return home on the same day with a number of post-operative care instructions.
Following hip replacement surgery, there is an increased risk of blood clots. To mitigate this risk, you may be advised to:

• Early Movement: Emphasis will be placed on prompt sitting up and walking with the aid of crutches or a walker shortly after the surgery.
• Pressure Application: Elastic compression stockings or inflatable air sleeves on your lower legs may be worn both during and after surgery. It helps in preventing blood pooling in the leg veins and lowering the likelihood of clot formation.
• Blood Thinners: Depending on factors such as your post-surgery mobility, activity level, and overall clot risk, your surgeon might prescribe blood thinners for several weeks.

Following are the tips that will fasten your recovery process:

• You'll likely be instructed to perform regular breathing exercises and gradually increase your activity level
• A physical therapist will guide you in exercising your new hip
• After leaving the hospital, ongoing physical therapy may be recommended, either at home or at a designated center

Precautions following Hip Surgery can vary based on your doctor's approach. Your doctor and physical therapist will provide specific dos and don'ts to prevent dislocation and promote proper healing. Common precautions include:

Don'ts:

• Avoid crossing your legs at the hips for 6 to 8 weeks.
• Refrain from bringing your hip higher than your hip.
• Avoid leaning forward while sitting or during the sitting process.
• Do not attempt to pick up items from the floor while seated.
• Avoid excessive inward or outward turning of your feet when bending down.
• Refrain from reaching down to pull up blankets while lying in bed.
• Do not bend at the waist beyond 90.

Dos:

• If posterior hip precautions are given, use a high chair or barstool in the kitchen to limit hip bending.
• Use ice to reduce pain and swelling, but avoid direct skin contact; use an ice pack or wrap it in a damp towel.
• Apply heat before exercising to aid range of motion; use a heating pad or hot, damp towel for 15 to 20 minutes.
• If muscles ache during prescribed exercises, cut back but do not completely stop the exercises.

Hip Replacement Surgery has a generally high success rate. Approximately 95% of patients report high relief in hip pain after surgery. Around 90% to 95% of implants continue to function properly even 10 years after surgery. Moreover, 80% to 85% of implants can function even 20 years later.

The cost of Hip Replacement Surgery in India varies according to various factors which are discussed in the next section of this article. However, the approximate cost of the procedure may range from AAAAAAAAAAA-ZZZZZZZZ.
 

Following are the factors affecting the cost of hip replacement surgery in India:

• Doctor’s Expertise: The number of successful cases accomplished by a doctor may affect the cost of treatment. Generally, higher the expertise, higher will be the cost.
• Doctor’s Experience: The doctors with more years of work experience in hip replacement surgeries will charge more.
• Extent of Hip Damage: Greater damage will require a more extensive and complex course of treatment, which will also increase costs. 
• Overall Health Status of Patients: People having prevailing illnesses and old-age people will be at risk of getting more complications. So, there will be more post-operative care for them which will increase the cost.
• Out of Pocket Expense: If your treatment is not being covered under your health insurance policy, then you may have to pay a higher out of pocket amount for the treatment. 
• Pre-Surgical Expenses: Various diagnostic tests will add to the total cost of the treatment.
• Hospital Fees: If you are choosing a government hospital for your treatment, then the cost of the treatment will definitely be highly affordable. On the contrary, if you choose any private or corporate hospital for your treatment then you will have to pay a higher amount.
• Type of Surgery: Depending upon your condition, your doctor will plan the treatment approach for you. This will also impact the cost of treatment depending upon the approach chosen.
• City where hospital is located: Hospitals located in bigger cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Noida, Gurugram, etc. may charge comparatively more than the hospitals located in the smaller cities. This is because hospitals in the metropolises can facilitate you better in every aspect.

An approximate cost of diagnostics for Hip Replacement Surgery:

MedFlick, committed to ensuring a smooth and successful medical journey for you, offers:

• Individualized Guidance: Receive personalized guidance throughout your medical journey.
• Access to a Broad Healthcare Network: Connect with prominent hospitals, top doctors, and skilled surgeons through our extensive network.
• Transparent and Competitive Pricing: Access a full breakdown of treatment costs, promoting transparency and offering fair cost-effective solutions..
• Comprehensive Support Services: From travel arrangements to hotel and visa assistance, MedFlick provides a range of services to make your experience seamless.
• Multilingual Support: Break down language barriers, facilitating effective communication between patients and medical professionals.

Experience a transformative journey of a successful hip replacement surgery with MedFlick as your trusted guide. Our assistance makes navigating this life-changing therapeutic procedure simple and liberating, filled with hope, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future.