Is hip replacement surgery the only option for my hip pain?
If other therapies, such as pain medications, exercises, physiotherapy have failed, hip replacement is usually the answer. If you experience severe pain, loss of motion or deformity of the hip joint, it is better to get hip replacement surgery done.
Hip replacement is also used in people with hip injuries, rheumatoid arthritis and other medical conditions, such as a bone tumor or bone loss due to insufficient blood supply (avascular necrosis).
What is the right age to get the hip replacement surgery done?
There is no right or ideal age to get the hip replacement done. If you cannot bear pain anymore and the other options are not working, you can get your hip replaced irrespective of your age. The average of knee joint replacement patient is around 60 years old; however patients of all ages have received hip implants.
THR used to be an option primarily for adults age 60 and above. But improved technology has made longer-lasting artificial joints that are feasible for more active people, including younger people.
How long does the hip replacement surgery take?
The surgery takes approximately 1-3 hours, depending on the condition of your hip at the time of surgery.
What about rehabilitation after hip replacement surgery in India? How long do I need to see a physical therapist after I go back?
The rehabilitation will begin the next day after the surgery at the hospital itself. Your physical therapist in India will do a number of exercises to regain your strength and range of motion. You should continue to exercise until your muscles are pain-free and you can walk without a limp. It is a good idea to continue your exercises as a lifetime commitment to keep your muscles strong.
When can I return to normal activities after hip replacement surgery in India?
This varies with each person. Most of the people use a walker for about one- two weeks after surgery and increase their activities slowly. Most people can drive a car, play golf, or go bowling in about ten- twelve weeks.
What precautions do I need to take after total hip joint replacement surgery in India?
Though this is not an exhaustive list of the precautions, these are the general guidelines to be followed after the surgery. The surgeon and the physical therapist will guide you in detail about the do's and don'ts after the surgery.
- Avoid heavy lifting and excessive stair climbing
- Maintain appropriate weight
- Avoid "impact loading" sports such as jogging, downhill skiing and high impact aerobics, twisting or impact stresses.
- Consult the surgeon before beginning any new sport or activity
- Avoid excessive bending when weight bearing, like climbing steep stairs
- Do not lift or push heavy objects
- Do not kneel
- Avoid low seating surfaces and chairs.
Are there chances of my body rejecting the artificial parts?
The materials used for total hip replacement arthroplasty include titanium, cobalt chrome, and polyethylene. To date, there is little evidence suggesting any allergic reaction to these materials.
Can I sleep on the side of operation?
Yes, you can. But how soon can you do it depends on your comfort level. It is generally uncomfortable to sleep on the side of operation for few weeks after the surgery. If you do need to sleep on the operation side, keep pillows between your legs. It shall make the hip stable and shall be more comfortable for you than otherwise.
When can I start playing tennis or golf or other sports?
Active sports should not be resumed for at least 8 weeks after the surgery. You should start slow with short sessions and then slowly increase the activity level as tolerated by your body. Consult your surgeon before you start with active games.
Should I drive a car after hip replacement? If yes, when can I start driving?
This is a very individualistic and impossible to say if you can drive after the surgery and when to begin driving. Although it is safe for your hip if you drive after about 8 weeks. There are few important criteria that must be met for patient to drive safely.
You should be off narcotic pain drugs, be able to get in and out of the driver's seat comfortably and must have regained the strengths in your muscles. Which side has been operated upon is another deciding factor. Use of right leg is more in driving and thus people with right hip replaced take longer before they can start driving. You can sit with an expert driver and test if you can comfortably drive before you start all on your own.
When can I resume sexual activities after hip replacement surgery?
This depends upon your comfort level. You can resume sexual activities when your hip is comfortable enough to allow it. You should avoid positions that put too much stress on the hip joints. You can consult therapist for it.
Will the implant set off metal detectors since it is made of metal? Would it not cause problem when I go back home after hip replacement surgery in India at the airport?
Yes, they usually do. The hospital shall provide you with the letter stating that you have a metal prosthesis fixed inside your hip which shall help you clearing through the security checks without facing any problems. You should reach the airport little early to avoid any inconvenience.
How long would my replaced hip last?
The life of your new hip joint shall depend upon your physical condition, activity level, and weight. The average lift of a replaced hip is somewhere between 15-20 years.
What is the difference between a cemented and an uncemented joint?
Some replacement joints attach to the bone with cement; others do not. Cemented joints were developed 40 years ago. They are most often used for older, less active people and for people with weak bones, such as those who have osteoporosis (brittle bone disease). Cemented joints are rigidly fixed within the bone immediately after surgery and as such, reduce pain and increase joint mobility. However, they may loosen over time, and cement particles will sometimes break off.
Uncemented joints were developed about 20 years ago in an attempt to increase the durability of the implant's fixation to the natural bone. It is unknown whether cemented or uncemented joints are better or longer-lasting, but most surgeons tend to use uncemented joints in younger patients. Uncemented joints are associated with thigh pain for several months after surgery in 10 to 20 percent of patients.
Is a Cemented or Uncemented Prosthesis Better?
The answer to this question is different for different people. Because each person's condition is unique, the doctor and the patient must weigh the advantages and disadvantages.
Cemented replacements are more frequently used for older, less active people and people with weak bones, such as those who have osteoporosis, while uncemented replacements are more frequently used for younger, more active people.
Studies show that cemented and uncemented prostheses have comparable rates of success. Studies also indicate that if the patient needs an additional hip replacement, or revision, the rates of success for cemented and uncemented prostheses are comparable. However, more long-term data are available for hip replacements with cemented prostheses, because doctors have been using them here since the late 1960s, whereas uncemented prostheses were not introduced until the late 1970s.
The primary disadvantage of an uncemented prosthesis is the extended recovery period. Because it takes a long time for the natural bone to grow and attach to the prosthesis, a person with uncemented replacements must limit activities for up to 3 months to protect the hip joint. Also, it is more common for someone with an uncemented prosthesis to experience thigh pain in the months following the surgery, while the bone is growing into the prosthesis.
How long does it take for the bone to grow in the cementless implants?
This is a gradual process which may take anywhere between 6 weeks to 6 months.
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