Hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which an orthopedic surgeon, such as James Lee, Jr., MD of Orange Orthopaedic Associates, replaces a painful diseased hip joint with an artificial hip joint made from plastic or metal components. This procedure is only done when the other possible treatment options have failed to provide relief. In other words, hip replacement, also known as total hip arthroplasty, can be done if hip pain is interfering with your ability to perform basic day-to-day tasks, and other more conservative treatment options have proven futile. Below are some of the essential things you should know about what hip replacement surgery entails.
Why is it Performed?
There are several conditions that have the potential to damage the hip joint and make it necessary for a patient to go in for a hip replacement procedure. Some of them include:
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This condition is associated with having an overactive immune system, which attacks the joints, causing an inflammation that damages the cartilage and even the underlying bones.
Osteoarthritis
This type of arthritis occurs due to damaged cartilage as a result of wear and tear.
Osteonecrosis
This happens when there is an inadequate supply of blood to the hip joint, causing the bone to deform and collapse.
The procedure may be necessary if you are having hip pain that:
- Is not responding to medication
- Is worsening when you walk
- Is interfering with your sleep
- Is making it difficult for you to stand up, especially after sitting for some time
What to Expect
This is a major surgical procedure, and therefore, it has to be performed under general anesthesia. In other words, you will be put to sleep to ensure that you will not feel pain or even be aware of the procedure. The doctor will then make an incision in the front side of the hip to remove the damaged cartilage and bone. The diseased socket is then replaced with an artificial one implanted into the pelvic bone. The round ball at the top of the femur will also be replaced with an artificial one. Some people get confused regarding hip replacement and revision hip replacement. Revision Hip Replacement is performed to treat failed hip replacements and it is much more complex than primary hip replacement.
Risks
Like any other surgical procedure, hip replacement is not without risks. Some common risks associated with the procedure include:
- Blood Clots
- Fractures
- Dislocation
- Infection
- Loosening
- Change in leg length
However, the procedure is highly effective, and after the recovery, you can expect to reduce the hip joint pain and significantly improve the range of motion in the hip joint.
The Takeaway
Overall, it is apparent that hip joint replacement is quite an effective procedure when it comes to solving the problem of a painful hip joint. However, like other major surgical procedures, the procedure should only be performed if all the other possible treatment alternatives have failed. If you are looking for a reliable orthopedic surgeon to help you with a hip replacement, Dr. Lee is your best bet. Feel free to contact Orange Orthopaedic Surgeons for more information about the doctor and the services that they offer.
