Surgery

During surgery, once the hip joint is exposed, the head and neck of the femur are removed. The shaft of the femur is then reamed to accept the metal component consisting of the head, neck, and stem. The acetabulum is then reamed to accept a plastic cup. The ball and socket are then replaced into […]

As with all major surgical procedures, complications can occur. Some of the most common complications following hip replacement are: Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) Infection Dislocation Loosening Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) DVT can occur after any operation, but is more likely to occur following surgery on the hip, pelvis, or knee. Thrombosis occurs when the blood

Postoperative care begins with a team of heath professionals within the hospital. Those closely involved with the postoperative total hip patient are: Nurses Respiratory Therapists Physical Therapists Occupational Therapists The Nursing Staff After surgery, vital signs and sensation in the lower extremities are observed and checked by the nursing staff and documented for the physician.

General rules of total hip replacement that the patient needs to follow are: In the first six to eight weeks after the operation, the individual receiving a total hip needs to avoid bending the hip beyond 90 degrees. This can be achieved by keeping knees below the hips when sitting. Sitting on a small pillow

In general, most individuals after hip surgery are discharged after 4 to 10 days providing there are no complications and particularly if there are family members to assist with daily activities. In some cases, the social service department at the hospital will find a temporary nursing home or intermediate stay facility until returning home is

New technology involving the implants for artificial hip replacement and advances in surgical techniques has improved the immediate and long-term outcome of the surgery. Generally today’s artificial hips can last a lifetime. However, if the person is very young, the plastic can wear out. Fortunately, with the new socket implants for the pelvis, the socket

Each individual contemplating hip replacement should review alternativdes with his or her physician to determine possible options. Some alternatives to hip replacement include: Medication Often pain can be controlled with medication adequately enough to provide comfort with the person’s present activity level i.e. the person can still comfortably manage their day to day activities or

Here are some frequently asked questions related to hip replacement: Q: If I decide to have a total hip replacement, how many years will it last? A: New materials used in total hip replacement are very durable and are expected to last greater than ten years in 90% of individuals receiving total hips. The chance of

Here is a summary of the important facts and information related to hip replacement: Individuals suffering from a variety of hip problems can benefit from total hip replacement especially when pain results from wear and tear, disease, and injury. Following total hip replacement, most people are up and around walking to some degree the day

Here are definitions of medical terms related to hip replacement: acetabulum: The cup-shaped cavity or socket at the base of the hipbone where the ball-shaped head of the femur fits. ambulating: To walk from place to place; move about. arthrodesis: The surgical immobilization of a joint so that the bones grow solidly together. arthroplasty: An artificial joint or implant.