Hip replacement surgery is one of the miracles of modern medicine. It has led to a profound improvement in the lives of millions of patients suffering from arthritis.
Pain relief:
More than 90 percent of patients get total relief of pain following the surgery. They do not need any sort of medications or braces or physiotherapy, etc. after three months. Some patients feel minor discomfort in the hip but this is far lesser as compared to the pain of arthritis. There may be some sensitivity or numbness of skin around the scar.
Recovery of movements:
Almost all patients get functional range of movements that allows them to perform activities of daily living. Some patients are able to sit on the floor although this is better avoided.
Recovery of motion depends upon many factors: patient’s pre-operative movement, patient’s body habitus (size and shape), the cause of arthritis, participation in physiotherapy programme, etc. It should be understood that most artificial joints give a good range, but not the full range, of movements. This is because of design factors and the anatomical peculiarities of each joint.
Feeling of clicking or clunking is normal.
Improvement in function:
Patients can expect years of pain-free and active life after the surgery. They are able to undertake activities of daily living without any support. Patients who required a care-giver can expect to become independent. There is a dramatic improvement in the quality of life after hip replacement.
Outdoor activities like walking, travel, shopping etc. can be undertaken easily. Some patients are able to sit on the floor but this should not be done routinely. Light recreational activities like swimming, ballroom dancing, etc. can be done. Contact sports and high impact activities and physically demanding activities should not be undertaken.
Longevity:
Joint replacement is one of the most successful procedures in the field of medicine. A well done hip replacement generally lasts for 15 years or more. This is influenced by the patient’s activity level, body weight, etc. among other factors. Advances in material sciences, implant design and surgical techniques are expected to improve the longevity.
Some patients have the misconception that after 15 or 20 years the hip will stop working or they will be bed-ridden. This is utterly wrong. When the hip fails it needs a revision hip replacement surgery, which is quite successful.
Call +91 9900236845