Hip surgery is a common operation in the United States, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. It involves removing a damaged hip joint and replacing it with a ball-and-socket prosthesis. This procedure is effective at helping those who require it regain pain-free mobility.
Significance
More than 193,000 hip-replacement surgeries are done in the United States yearly, with more than 90 percent having successful outcomes, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hip replacement surgery is typically done after other treatments have failed and chronic pain and restricted mobility are present.
Function
Arthritis or a hip fracture can make simple things like getting in and out of a chair and walking very painful, and a hip replacement can reduce the pain and make activities easier. The Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says those for whom everyday activities are limited because of pain, those experiencing constant pain, even while resting, and those who have not benefited from other treatments are candidates for hip-replacement surgery.
Types
The Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons describes two types of hip replacement: a traditional hip replacement and a minimally invasive hip replacement. A traditional hip replacement involves a large incision, about 10 to 12 inches, on the side of the hip, allowing the muscles to be detached from the hip and the implant to be placed in the body. The minimally invasive hip replacement involves smaller incisions and less soft-tissue dissection, according to the academy. Patients undergoing the minimally invasive procedure are usually thinner, younger and healthier than those who have the traditional surgery.
Risks
There are risks in every surgery, and hip replacements carry several risks, including the development of blood clots, infection and joint stiffening, according to the Mayo Clinic. Breakage or loosening of the prosthesis can occur over time, and some people experience a shortening of leg length on the side of the replacement. Dislocation of the new joint is another risk, and patients are counseled not to bend more than 90 degrees at the hip after surgery, says the Mayo Clinic.
Recovery
The stitches or staples used to close the incisions are typically removed two weeks after surgery, and it is important to keep the wound dry until it has completely sealed. Patients usually can return to light-impact activities within three to six weeks of the operation, says the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The surgeon or a physical therapist may prescribe exercises to be done on a graduated schedule to help with restoration of movement.
