Hip replacement surgery

As people are becoming more active and living longer, bodies--joints in particular--are expected to perform more efficiently than ever.  But activities, injuries, and degenerative diseases can wear hip joints down. More than 300,000 patients will require a hip replacement surgery in the U.S. this year. If you’re suffering from hip pain and other treatments haven’t given you relief, you may need to know more about this common procedure.

In today’s post, Dr. Jeffrey J. Sketchler will explain the causes of hip pain, what’s involved in partial and full replacement surgery, and the prognosis for this surgery.

The hip is a ball and socket joint and one of the largest in the body. It is made of the acetabulum (part of the pelvis) and the femoral head (upper part of the femur). Ligaments, like rubber bands, keep the ball and joint stable. Articular cartilage covers the ball and socket. This smooth tissue helps everything move without friction. The synovial membrane covers the hip joint, which adds lubrication.

In cases where the hip joint has been so damaged that conservative treatments are no longer effective, replacement is typically considered.  Reasons for hip replacement surgery may include:

Hip replacement surgery replaces the deteriorated or diseased parts of the hip joint with artificial implants to reduce pain and restore range of motion. These prosthetic parts can be made of a combination of metal (like titanium), ceramic, or polyethylene materials.

This surgery takes 1-2 hours and will require a one or two night stay in the hospital. When undergoing a replacement, you will be given general anesthesia or a spinal block, which will numb your lower body. During surgery, Dr. Sketchler will make an incision near your hip, which could range from 5-12 inches. He’ll then remove the damaged bone and cartilage, and implant the prosthesis. After, he’ll reattach the muscle and suture the incision.

In his blog post Understanding Hip Pain, Dr. Sketchler explains the different types, causes and treatment options for hip pain. Hip replacement surgery is a significant procedure. However, the pain relief and restoration of mobility can be substantial. Therefore, it’s important to understand the signs that suggest it’s time for the surgery. “I always say, patients usually tell me when it’s time for a replacement,” says Dr. Sketchler. “When conservative treatments fail to resolve chronic hip pain, the question quickly shifts from if I need a replacement to when I need one.”  A replacement procedure may be necessary if you have the following symptoms:

Dr. Sketchler says, ideal candidates are those who are relatively active and healthy--specifically, patients in their 50s-70s and who desire to remain active. If a patient is advanced in age and also in poor health or is severely obese, Dr. Sketchler may recommend an alternative treatment.

After your hospital stay, recovery and rehabilitation are the top priorities. Before you’re discharged from the hospital, a physical therapist will be scheduled to start your treatment plan at home. At-home therapy typically lasts about 2 weeks. Then, you’ll go to the physical therapy clinic for several additional weeks of treatment. The goal is to have you walking as soon as possible and returning to a healthy range of motion.

One concern patients have about the recovery process is the amount of pain involved. Dr. Sketchler says that “modern hip replacement has really improved over time. A patient’s pain will typically be moderate, not severe. There will be generalized soreness but usually the patient will be in less pain after the surgery than they were before it.” One of the reasons for this is that during surgery, Dr. Sketchler injects medication that limits both pain and blood loss. This helps reduce pain during the recovery period.

Following a successful surgery, you’ll be in considerably less pain! You should notice a significant improvement in your range of motion and ability to partake in daily activities. Dr. Sketchler doesn’t place any restrictions on activities after surgery. He does, however, suggest that you steer clear of high-impact activities, which can put too much stress on the new artificial joint. Low-impact activities like swimming or riding a bike would be better options. At your post operative visit, Dr. Sketchler will explain your recovery plan in detail.

If you have hip pain and would like to have it evaluated, contact us today for an appointment. The earlier the diagnosis, the more treatment options are available. Dr. Sketchler or one of the other orthopedic specialists at Pontchartrain Orthopedic and Sports Medicine will give you a thorough evaluation and let you know if you’re a candidate for hip replacement surgery.