Prosthetic Hip Replacements
Prosthetic hip replacements have become increasingly common procedures in today’s medical world. Thi s type of surgery is preformed when an individual has experienced damage to the hip joint due to a medical condition, such as arthritis or an injury. The procedure involves the complete replacement of the natural hip joint with an artificial prosthetic joint. This procedure can potentially allow for improved mobility and range of motion for the patient.
Prior to a prosthetic hip replacement, the patient may require a series of meetings with their doctor or healthcare team. These meetings may be beneficial to the patient since they can go over the right type of implant, the anatomy of their hip, possible risks associated with the operation, and potential outcomes. Potential risks can include, but are not limited to, infection, nerve damage, or joint dislocation. After many important discussions are had, the patient will usually be under anesthesia prior to the beginning of the procedure.
The first step of a prosthetic hip replacement is to make an incision on the side of the hip, often near the upper thigh. After the incision has been made, the doctor will be able to begin to remove any damaged tissue or cartilage from the joint and reveal the femur and socket. The head of the femur is then removed with a saw and replaced with a prosthetic femur that will fit into the acetabulum, the deep, cup shaped socket of the joint.
Once the new prosthetic hip joint has been placed, the doctor will use screws and plates to secure the implant before stitching up the incision. The entire operation can last anywhere from one to two hours in length. Depending on the level of physical activity the patient had before the operation, it may take up to six months for the new hip joint to be fully functional.
Following the prosthetic hip replacement, a period of recovery and several physical therapy sessions are often suggested. A physical therapist will guide the patient on how to properly use the new hip joint and strengthen the muscles in the surrounding region. After an extended period of healing and physical therapy, many people who had prosthetic hip replacements report improved mobility and feeling better overall.
Prosthetic hip replacements are commonly preformed as a way to reduce pain associated with hip injuries and medical conditions. The actual procedure involves the complete replacement of the hip joint with an artificial version and can take several months to heal and restore the patient to full health. Overall, prosthetic hip replacements can provide the patient with improved mobility and decreased pain in many cases.
