Hip replacement: types, if any, routine care and questions
Hip replacement is orthopedic surgery used to replace the hip joint with a metal, polyethylene, or ceramic prosthesis.
- This surgery is more frequent and higher.
- From the age of 68.
- And can be performed in two ways: partial or total.
- In addition it can be performed with different materials.
- Such as metal.
- Polyethylene and ceramics.
- And all these choices must be made by the orthopedist who will perform the surgery.
Hip prosthesis is generally used in older adults with joint wear and tear from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis, however, it can also be used in young patients, for example in cases of femoral cervix fractures.Basically, there is an indication of surgery, in case of joint wear, chronic pain or inability to walk, climb up and down stairs or get in the car, for example.
Hip replacement surgery is performed under anesthesia in the operating room, which can be regional blockage or general anesthesia.The surgeon makes an incision in the front of the thigh, back, or side of the thigh, depending on your choice, and removes the parts worn by osteoarthritis and places the prosthesis.
The duration of surgery is about 2.5 hours, but may be longer, depending on the patient’s condition.Hospital stay may vary from 3 to 5 days and physical therapy should be initiated immediately after the operation.
The surgeon usually prescribes painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, after surgery, and while the patient is suffering, requiring physical therapy for 6 months to 1 year.
Recovery from hip replacement takes about 6 months and during this time the patient should take certain precautions, such as:
Learn how to speed up the recovery of a hip replacement
After the first examination visit, the patient should return to the doctor every 2 years for an X-ray to evaluate the positioning and wear of the prosthesis.
Physiotherapy for hip replacement should begin the first day after surgery, being important for relieving pain, reducing swelling, improving hip movements and strengthening muscles.
Normally, the physiotherapy program should be guided by a physical therapist and includes instructions for walking, sitting, getting up, how to use the walker, as well as exercises to learn how to walk with the prosthesis, strengthen muscles and develop balance.exercises in: Physiotherapy after hip replacement.
After hospital discharge, the patient should continue with physical therapy for at least 6 months after hip replacement.Electrical muscle activation devices and balance exercises are also indicated that can be performed in the water, in the pool.Physical treatment varies by prosthesis type and surgical approach, so the physical therapist should indicate the best treatment for each case.
Complications of arthroplasty are rare, especially when the patient follows appropriate instructions and care in the postoperative surgery; However, some complications may include:
Generally, the patient should go to a review appointment 7 to 10 days after surgery to remove the stitches and avoid certain complications, such as unhooking the prosthesis or infection, if complications are suspected to consult the orthopedist or go to the emergency room to begin.appropriate treatment.
Yes, the prosthesis can move if the patient sits in very low places, crosses his legs or rotates his legs in or out, before the doctor or physical therapist can perform these activities.
Hip replacement typically lasts 20 to 25 years, requiring replacement after this period.
In general, your doctor releases the behavior 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.
There is a minimum waiting period of 4 weeks, but some patients feel safer to return after 3 to 6 months.