Hip replacement surgery is a safe, common and successful procedure for treating a variety of conditions such as degenerative joint disease, hip fractures, and other conditions that cause hip joint damage.
Unfortunately, the complexity of the procedure can be intimidating for many patients. In order to help patients better understand the procedure, this blog post provides a pocket guide to hip replacement surgery.
This guide will explain what a hip replacement is, when it is a good treatment option, the expected recovery time, potential risks, and lifestyle changes that may be required after the procedure.
By providing a comprehensive overview of the hip replacement procedure, this pocket guide will help patients feel more informed and comfortable before and after the surgery.
What is a hip replacement?
Hip replacement surgery involves replacing a damaged or worn-out hip joint with a new artificial joint.
Metal, ceramic, or plastic components can be used to create the new joint. It is typically performed to alleviate pain, increase mobility, and restore function and quality of life. The procedure can also prevent further damage to the hip joint and bones.
Hip replacement surgery is usually performed on patients who have severe hip pain and/or mobility issues as a result of arthritis, injury, or other conditions.
The damaged hip joint is removed during the procedure and replaced with artificial components. Screws are then used to secure the new components in place.
When do you need a hip replacement and when should you see a specialist?
When it comes to your health, it’s important to be aware of when you might need to seek specialised help.
Hip replacements can be an effective solution for chronic hip pain and mobility issues, but it’s important to understand if and when it might be right for you. If you’ve been experiencing persistent hip pain, or if you’ve noticed a decrease in your mobility or range of motion, it may be time to see a specialist.
Your NHS or private specialist can evaluate your condition and recommend the best course of action.
Since hip replacements are major surgeries, they’re typically recommended only after conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes, have been tried and found to be ineffective in reducing.
Recovery time for a hip replacement
Recovery time for a hip replacement varies from patient to patient, depending on their overall health and the type of procedure that was done.
Generally, you can expect to take about 6 to 8 weeks off from work and to be on crutches for up to 4 weeks. During the recovery period, you will need to participate in physical therapy to help you regain strength and mobility in the affected area.
It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions, which may include taking prescribed medications and refraining from any strenuous activities.
It’s also helpful to have family and friends around to help support you, such as providing transportation to physical therapy appointments or just lending an ear to listen. With the right care, and patience.
If you would like to learn more about the recovery time, do take a look at hip replacement surgery FAQs at the bottom of this web page.
The potential risks of a hip replacement
While a hip replacement can be a great way to reduce pain, increase mobility, and improve quality of life, it's important to understand that it is still a major surgery and there are potential risks involved.
Risks associated with a hip replacement include infection, dislocation, fracture, component loosening, nerve damage, and blood clots. It is also possible to experience pain and stiffness in the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Some of these potential risks can be minimised with proper pre-and post-operative care.
This includes following instructions from your doctor regarding activity levels, medications, and physical therapy. Your consultant may also recommend taking certain precautions during recovery, such as avoiding certain activities and movements.
Your consultant should run through all the risks of the procedure with you while answering any questions you may have prior to the decision to have a hip replacement.
What happens after you have a hip replacement?
After having hip replacement surgery, it is critical that you rest and recover. This type of surgery can be physically and emotionally taxing, so make sure to follow your consultant's post-surgery instructions carefully.
Your consultant will almost certainly prescribe physical therapy to help you regain strength, flexibility, and mobility in your new hip. It is critical that you follow these instructions and be patient with yourself as you recover. As you heal and adjust to your new hip, you may need to use crutches or a walker.
You should be able to gradually increase your activity levels and return to your normal activities as you heal.
It's important to note that hip replacement recovery differs from patient to patient. It is indeed a journey and one that may require patience, so be sure not to compare your recovery with someone else's during this time.
The next steps: What should you do if you think you need to see a specialist about your hip pain?
If you think you may need to seek specialist help for your hip pain privately, it is important to do your research and find a qualified consultant who can provide you with the best care.
You should look into the consultant's credentials and experience to make sure they are well-versed in the diagnosis and treatment of hip pain. You should also ask for referrals from family and friends to get an idea of the quality of care they have received.
Additionally, you can look into online reviews and ratings to find out what other patients have experienced.
Once you have found a specialist that you feel comfortable with, you should make an appointment to discuss your symptoms and get a diagnosis.
The specialist may suggest a treatment plan, such as medications, physical therapy, or other treatments that don't require surgery before surgery is the only treatment option left to try.
Get in touch
I hope this pocket guide was useful in your research. If you would like to make an appointment to see me at one of my private clinics in Bournemouth, Poole, or Dorchester, please contact my friendly team to get started.