Hip replacement surgery, also known as hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure applied to help relieve pain and restore the functioning of severely diseased hip joints. The procedure and affecting factors are the same as in the knee joint replacement surgery.
Hip replacement surgery may be required due to various congenital hip disorders, severe impacts to the hip joint or excessive strain. In cases of injury, wear and tear and mechanical imbalance in the hip joint, the main joint of which is lifting and lowering loads, the solution to be applied is hip replacement surgery.
The hip joint can be damaged due to many different reasons. Age, injury and various diseases are actually the main factors that cause damage to the hip joint. Various diseases that occur during birth or are inherited can cause damage to the hip joint. If the disease is detected early, alternative treatment methods can be applied. If it is detected late, hip replacement surgery should be performed.
The loss of function in the cartilages in the hip joint is another factor that causes deterioration in the hip joint. When the cartilages lose their function, calcification occurs in the hip and the mobility of the hip joint begins to be restricted.
What is Hip Replacement?
Hip replacement, also known as total hip arthroplasty, or total hip replacement; is applied to patients with advanced calcification or damage in the hip joint in order to replace the damaged joint.
Hip joint replacement surgery is usually performed after middle age, but there is no upper age limit for the operation. Hip replacement surgery can be performed on anyone whose bone development is complete or about to be completed.
On the other hand, the decision of suitability for hip replacement surgery is made on a patient-specific basis after a meticulous evaluation. Especially in cases of developmental hip dysplasia, i.e. hip dislocation, or avascular necrosis, i.e. blood flow to the officer’s head, it may be possible to provide definitive and effective solutions to individuals between the ages of 20 and 40.
The most common symptom encountered in people who are candidates for hip replacement surgery is severe pain. Severe pain occurs only during walking in the initial stage. It may also become disturbing during rest in the later period. In addition, movement restriction, leg shortness and limping may also be observed.
In cases where hip replacement surgery is not an option, non-surgical methods may be used. Physical therapy applications, medication, cane use, joint injections such as stem cells or PRP can be listed among non-surgical methods. Although surgery is inevitable, if it is delayed, serious calcification and deterioration may occur in both knees, the other hip, waist and back area. Because if surgery is not performed, more load will be placed on other parts of the body than normal and the risk for these areas will increase.
Who is Hip Replacement Surgery Suitable for?
Hip replacement is generally a surgery recommended for patients with serious pain, inflammation and damage in the hip joint. Such conditions usually occur due to the diseases or conditions listed below.
The most common reason for hip replacement surgery is osteoarthritis. Pain and stiffness occur as the cartilage tissue in the hip joint wears out and the joint surfaces rub against each other. This condition is especially common in older ages and can cause serious damage to the joint.
The immune system attacks its own tissues, which can cause chronic inflammation and pain in the joints. This condition, called rheumatoid arthritis, is characterized by the destruction and deformation of joint tissues.
In the case of osteonecrosis, or avascular necrosis, bone tissue dies as a result of the decrease or interruption of blood flow to the hip joint. As a result, serious damage and pain can occur in the joint.
How is Hip Replacement Surgery Performed?
Patients who will undergo hip replacement surgery should not have an active infection such as throat, tooth or urinary tract infection. If there is no infection, blood samples are taken from the patient and anesthesia is evaluated.
If there is no condition preventing the surgery, the hospital is admitted the day before or on the day of the surgery. Although diabetes and blood pressure do not constitute an obstacle to hip replacement surgery, these diseases should be controlled before the surgery.
Hip replacement surgery can be performed under general anesthesia or it may be preferred to numb the lower part of the body. After a 10 to 20 cm incision is made in the hip, the damaged bones are removed and the prosthesis is placed in its place. The capsule, fascia, muscle, subcutaneous tissues and skin are sutured and the hip replacement surgery is completed.
A recovery period of 4 to 5 weeks is usually required after hip replacement surgery. Patients can usually perform movements such as crossing their legs and sitting cross-legged at the end of the 5th week. These movements should not be performed in earlier periods. Otherwise, a sudden or wrong movement may cause the prosthesis to dislocate.
After being discharged, the patient should use the prescribed medications in conjunction with the medication, not skip physical therapy sessions, be careful while moving, do the recommended exercises correctly, and avoid smoking and alcohol.
After hip replacement surgery, patients may feel pain in the groin, waist and leg area. Medications prescribed by the doctor should be used to control the pain. Although short-term and mild pain can be considered normal, prolonged and severe pain may be a sign that the prosthesis is loose, so the doctor should be informed in such cases.
After hip replacement surgery, the patient should prefer high seats. A pillow should be placed between the legs while sleeping for at least 6 weeks. The legs should not be pulled too much towards the abdomen during sleep, and care should be taken not to overdo it when leaning forward or backward. Especially in the first weeks, care should be taken not to lean forward and not to cross the legs.
Working Hours
- Monday: 09:00 – 18:00
- Tuesday: 09:00 – 18:00
- Wednesday: 09:00 – 18:00
- Thursday: 09:00 – 18:00
- Friday: 09:00 – 18:00
- Saturday: 09:00 – 18:00
- Sunday: Closed
Customer Reviews
