Hip Replacement Surgery

If you are considering having a hip replacement or have just had one, know that surgery is just the first step. Your surgeon may have done a fine job, but this doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be able to use your hip as you did before. Physical therapy is important for complete recovery, strength, and a full range of motion once your hip joint begins to heal. Our physical therapists are excited to help you achieve this in the shortest time possible. Contact us today and request an appointment with one of our physical therapists.

What is Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is a procedure performed to replace damaged parts of the hip or the total hip joint with artificial parts made from metal or plastic. It is usually performed to relieve chronic hip pain caused by arthritis. Although, other conditions such as injury to the hip may require a replacement. Hip replacement surgery is the last resort when other treatment plans for hip pain have been ineffective.

Know Your Hip

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. The femur (thigh bone) has a ball at its’s upper end which is called the femoral bone. The socket is part of the pelvis bone, and it’s called the acetabulum. As the ball moves in the socket, this allows you to rotate your legs and move them sideways, forward, or backward. The surfaces of the socket and the ball are covered with a tissue called the articular cartilage. This tissue prevents the bones from rubbing against each other. Another thin tissue called the synovial membrane produces fluid that lubricates the cartilage and reduces friction.

What Causes Hip Replacement

The chief cause of hip replacement is hip pain as a result of arthritis. Although injury and other conditions might warrant a hip replacement surgery.

Osteoarthritis

This form of arthritis is common in persons from 50 years of age. It can also occur in younger people. What happens is that the cartilage that keeps the bones from rubbing against each other wears away

Rheumatoid Arthritis

This happens when your immune system attacks your joints. The synovial membrane covering the joint becomes inflamed. This can damage the cartilage and lead to stiffness and pain

Post-traumatic Arthritis

This begins to develop after a hip injury, where fractures and tears may damage the cartilage.

Avascular Necrosis

This occurs when blood is no longer supplied to the femoral head (ball). This causes the surface of the bone to be damaged, resulting in arthritis.

Is Hip Replacement Right
For Me?

You and your surgeon will make the final call on whether hip replacement is what you need. However,

Then, you are a suitable candidate for a hip replacement.

What are The Types Of Hip Replacement Surgery?

There are three major types of hip replacement surgery. They include:

Total Hip replacement

Partial Hip Replacement

Hip Resurfacing

Total hip replacement is the most common. In this case, the damaged socket is replaced with metal or ceramic, while the ball is also replaced with metal or ceramic. For partial hip replacement, only a part of the hip joint is removed, usually the femoral head (ball). In hip resurfacing, the femoral head is retained but trimmed and capped with a metal covering, while the damaged socket is replaced with metal. This is usually done for active persons under 60 years of age with good bone health Your surgeon will determine what type of surgery is best for you.

What Happens Before and During the Surgery?

Before the surgery, a complete physical examination will be carried out to ensure you are in good health, and that replacement is actually what you need. Other tests such as X-ray, MRI-scan, blood tests, etc., may be required to plan the surgery. Once you and your surgeon have made the decision for hip replacement, then it’s time to go prepare for your surgery. It is important to make changes to your home and have someone to support you after surgery. This is because you won’t be able to use your hip for a couple of weeks. You may also stop taking some medications two weeks before surgery. Your doctor will tell you what medications to stop. During the surgery, a general anesthetic will be given to you to keep you asleep or sedated during the procedure, which will only take 2-3 hours. Surgery may be done on an inpatient or outpatient (same-day surgery) basis.

What is Recovery Like?

After the surgery, be ready to feel some pain, this is normal for a while. Your doctor may prescribe pain killers for a period to help with the pain. Once your pain begins to subside, stop taking the meds. Post-operative rehabilitation is very crucial after surgery. This guarantees that your hip joint heals faster, and is restored to its normal functioning. Polygon PT offers post-operative rehab for hip replacement surgery. Physical therapy begins 24 hours after your surgery and continues till you have achieved full range of motion in your hip joint. Your therapist will create a treatment plan for you. Don’t rush the recovery process, it will take a couple of months for complete recovery.

Get Started on Physical Therapy and Rehab for Hip Replacement Today

For quick and complete recovery to your hip, a well-structured rehab program is essential. Contact a physical therapist today at Polygon PT to get started. We can’t wait to see you get back to your normal activities.

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