|
|
Reproduced
with permission from Your Orthopaedic Connection. ©American
Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. |
Hip replacement is a procedure that is done for the severely arthritic joint, and only after other forms of treatment, such as medication and physical therapy, no longer have any benefit.
Hip with arthritis
Cartilage is the material that cushions the hip and allows the joint to move in a smooth and free manner. As the cartilage wears out, arthritis develops as the bone ends rub against each other and cause pain. As the joint becomes more damaged and painful, it may be time to consider surgical replacement.
The surgical procedure
The surgical procedure involves removing the damaged portions of the joint and replacing them with new parts. The arthritic pelvis acetabulum (socket) is removed and replaced with a metal shell and plastic liner and the arthritic femoral head (ball) is removed and replaced with a metal or ceramic ball atop a metal stem that is wedged tightly into the femur (thighbone). The new components are then fitted together. Since the painful diseased cartilage has been removed, there is generally a very quick relief of pain, an outstanding feature of this procedure.
The surgical procedure takes one to two hours, and the new joint is stable right away, allowing patients to walk immediately after their surgery.
Anesthesia
This procedure can be done under general anesthesia (the patient is asleep with a breathing tube) or spinal anesthesia (an injection into the back that numbs the patient from the waist down). That decision is made by the patient and anesthesiologist.
 |
Reproduced
with permission from Your Orthopaedic Connection. ©American
Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. |
Hospital stay
Before surgery
Patients are admitted to the hospital the day of surgery. Prior to surgery, they will meet the anesthesiologist and talk to the surgeon.
After surgery
Patients can begin walking immediately, but there are restrictions on movement of the new hip joint. To prevent dislocation, patients should avoid excessive hip flexion and internal rotation. There may be pain initially, which will improve, and this can be controlled with medications. Most patients will stay one or two nights in the hospital, depending on their mobility and home situation.
Social services
Mid Coast Hospital's care coordinators will work with the patient to ensure that the transition from the hospital to home is as seamless as possible.
Most patients will go directly home from the hospital, but some will go to a rehabilitation facility temporarily. The decision to go to a rehab facility or directly home is made by the patient, but the orthopedic care team will make recommendations based on the progress that a patient makes in the first few days after surgery. Learn about Mid Coast Senior Health Center and CHANS Home Health & Hospice as an option for rehab care.
Patient involvement and commitment
With hip replacement, the surgeon replaces the diseased hip joint, and, along with the physical therapist, occupational therapist and nursing staff, guides the patient through the recovery process. However, rehabilitation is up to the patient. The patient must participate fully in the rebuilding and strengthening of the weakened muscles. To get the total benefit of hip replacement, the patient must make a serious commitment to doing the prescribed exercises and developing and maintaining an active lifestyle. Learn about Mid Coast Hospital Outpatient Rehabilitation.