Hip replacement surgery is a medical procedure during which the surgeon removes the damaged region or entire hip joint and replaces it with artificial implants made out of metals, plastics or ceramics. It is the last option in the plate when no other treatment works.
In India, many hospitals specialise in this surgery and have outstanding medical staff, technologies and other facilities to help the patients attain relief. Hence, to pick the best hospital for hip replacement in India, research extensively and compare different options before finalising one.
Why is Hip Replacement Surgery Needed?
There are three primary reasons due to which a patient might need to undergo hip replacement surgery. These are:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Osteonecrosis
In all these conditions, the cartilage covering the hip joint, which helps in its smooth movements is damaged, which consequently leads to bone degradation as well.
Procedure for Hip Replacement Surgery
There are two main ways of performing this procedure:
- Traditional Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Traditional Hip Replacement Surgery
In the standard or traditional approach to hip replacement in India surgery, the doctor will give you general anaesthesia and even a spinal aesthetic to relieve you from any pain.
Then, an incision (8 to 10 inch) is made alongside the hip, and the muscles connected to the thigh bone are moved to reach the hip joint. Then, using a saw, the thighbone is cut to remove the ball portion of the joint. It is then replaced by attaching a new joint on the thigh bone using cement or any other material.
Next, the damaged cartilage and other parts are removed and replaced by an artificial socket implant. The thighbone is then inserted into this new socket, and the muscles are reattached.
2. Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery
In this technique, rather than a large, single incision, the surgeon makes one or two smaller incisions (2 to 5 inches), and the traditional procedure ais then performed through them. The surgeons need to be highly skilled and experienced to be able to execute such a technique. Therefore, consult the best surgeon specialising in hip replacement in India.
Post-Surgery
Post the operation; you will have to stay in the hospital for a week. Your physiotherapy will start the next day, in case there are no complications. You will have to take the support of a wedge-shaped cushion to help the new joint stay in place.
Within days you will start walking using a cane or some other support, and gradually, within months, you will recover fully.
Conclusion
The hip replacement surgery becomes a necessity when the condition of the patient worsens to such a state that unbearable pain interferes with the daily tasks like walking or sleeping. In such circumstances, there are two approaches used: either traditional or minimally invasive technique. The latter is a better option since there are no to fewer chances of blood clots and scarring. Consult your doctor thoroughly and ask all your queries before you decide anything.
