Total Hip Replacement

What is Total Hip Replacement?
Hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the hip joint is replaced by a prosthetic implant.
What does it involve?
When is hip replacement needed?
Several hip problems occur that result from many years of wear and tear, disease or injury. The ones that commonly lead to a need for hip replacement are:

Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Traumatic Arthritis

Avascular necrosis

What is the post surgery treatment protocol?

The patient is allowed to recuperate in a recovery room for a period of up to 4 hours.

Medication to control pain is given using a PCA (Patient Controlled Analgesia) pump. This lets patients administer the prescribed dose of medication on their own.

Care is taken to prevent blood clots at the lower extremities.

Compression stockings are used to force blood circulation.

Patients are encouraged to actively move their lower extremities in order to mobilize venous blood and prevent blood clots.

Medication to thin the blood and prevent clots are also administered.

When can the patient first walk after hip replacement?
The patient can walk with support on the second day after surgery.
When can the patient return home after hip replacement?
If there are no complications, the patient can be discharged after 72 hours. And in a month, he/she can return to their regular work.
What precautions must a patient take after hip replacement?

Avoid bending the hip beyond 90 degrees for the first 2 months.

Do not sit on furniture that will cause excessive flex at the hip.

Do not bend over at the hip to reach the floor.

Do not cross the operated leg over the other.

Feet must be kept between 3 and 6 inches apart.

Do not turn the operated leg inwards.

How can patients protect the replaced hip joint in the long term?
Running and contact sports are to be avoided as they are too strenuous. Swimming is encouraged as it increases muscle strength, and improves mobility and stamina.