A total hip replacement is a common surgical procedure that is done to relieve hip pain and restore range of motion to the hip. The surgery is often required as a result of arthritis or trauma to the hip. Total hip replacements allow you to engage in low impact exercises with relatively high success rates. However, high impact sports -- including basketball -- are strongly discouraged.
Hip Replacement Surgery
Total hip replacements allow patients to regain their normal lifestyle and reduce pain. You will likely be admitted to the hospital on the day of your surgery. Before heading to the operating room, an anesthesia team will discuss anesthesia options to make you comfortable during and after surgery. During hip replacement surgery, your surgeon removes the diseased portion of your hip and replaces it with a prosthetic part. This part serves as your new hip. Your new hip may be made out of plastic, ceramic or metal.
Recovery
Following hip replacement surgery, you will typically be hospitalized for three to four days. You must strictly follow the directions of your doctor to avoid possible complications. Complications include blood clots in your legs and hip infections. Pay special attention to your incision. You should contact your doctor if you notice bleeding or pus coming from your incision. Your staples will remain in place for two weeks. During this time, you should avoid showering and the use of creams and lotions on your hips. Your incision should remain dry until after your staples have been removed. Expect your complete recovery to take up to one year. During this time, you will have multiple appointments with your surgeon to assess your progress and the function of your new hip.
Physical Therapy
Most hip replacement patients undergo physical therapy to help you regain strength and increase the range of motion in your hip. Physical therapy typically begins three to six weeks following your surgery. Your physical therapist will teach you specific exercises to help strengthen your new hip. In addition, a therapist will work with you to help you walk again and increase your overall mobility. You typically use a cane, walker or crutches until your doctor allows you to bear full weight on your hip. Once you are able to walk and comfortably maneuver around your house, you should be able to complete a majority of your regular household or daily activities.
Basketball
Basketball is considered a high-impact activity. Sports participation, for the most part after a total hip replacement, is acceptable. Your doctor is likely to request that you begin with low impact activities including swimming, cross country skiing, rowing, walking, golf, bicycling and low-impact aerobics. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, hip replacement patients are strongly discouraged from participating in high impact sports for the remainder of their life. This will help increase the success rate of the hip replacement. As a general rule of thumb, if an activity causes you pain, you should enjoy the sport as a spectator.
