Total Hip Replacement in Florida | Florida Surgery Consultants

Total Hip Replacement

A total hip replacement is used to reduce pain and increase mobility in patients by replacing damaged portions of the hip. Refined since its inception in 1960, this procedure involves the application of a metal, plastic, and ceramic prosthesis. Performed on more than 300,000 people in the United States every year, total hip replacement is among the most successful medical procedures available, with a success rate of over 90 percent.

Below, we discuss who is a candidate for total hip replacement and what can be expected when going under the knife. As you’ll come to find, total hip replacement has come a long way since the 1960’s, but the freedom it can give to those with excruciating hip pain is as valuable as ever. If your life could benefit from total hip replacement, consider a consultation with a skilled surgeon who can help determine if you’re a candidate.

Who is a Candidate?

Hip replacement surgery may be right for you if your hip pain is starting to interfere with everyday life. This pain can be caused by a number of factors, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, that damage the hip joint. Post-traumatic arthritis is one cause that follows after a serious hip injury or fracture. Whether the result of years of arthritis or a traumatic injury, the joint cartilage in the hip wears away, leaving the bones to grind against each other in a way that is both painful and hindering.

If you are experiencing persistent pain that is bad enough to impede your mobility and keep you awake at night, surgery may be for you. There are no age or weight limitations when it comes to hip surgeries. The young and old alike have benefited from total hip replacement, although most patients who undergo surgery are over the age of 50.

Whether total hip replacement is right for you is left up to you and your surgeon. It’s a big decision, one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. In making their recommendation, your surgeon will look at a number of deciding factors, including your medical history, X-rays, and MRI’s. Of course, your own account of your pain and mobility will be taken into account, and, ultimately, the decision to move forward with total hip replacement surgery is up to you.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Unlike a partial hip replacement, a total hip replacement involves not only the replacement of the damaged femoral head but also the implanting of a prosthetic shell. The femoral head is replaced with a ball and stem while a spacer takes the place of cartilage. Together, these components allow for smooth movement.

In detail: your surgeon may ask you to make some adjustments prior to surgery. For example, they may ask you to stop taking certain medications in the days leading to surgery. A great deal of planning should be done on your part to make your home life as easy as possible during the recovery process (more on that below). On the day of your surgery, you will be admitted to the hospital, where you will be administered anesthesia. Surgery takes a few hours to complete. During that time, damaged cartilage and bone will be removed, and in its place will go your new implant.

What are the Risks?

No surgery is without risks; however, the complication rate for hip replacement is incredibly low: less than two percent of surgeries result in any serious complications. Following surgery, you should still be on the lookout for potential problems, such as infection or blood clots. You’ll want to work closely with your surgeon during this time, and they may prescribe you with blood thinners or antibiotics to ensure that everything goes as planned. While the risk factors involved may seem intimidating, the success rate of total hip replacement should far outweigh any doubts. With an experienced surgeon by your side, there’s no reason you can’t enjoy the numerous benefits that come with a hip replacement.

How is the Recovery Process?

Following surgery, it will take anywhere from six to 12 week until you resume your normal everyday activities. During this time, you will follow up with you surgeon to ensure that all complications are avoided and that your hip is healing nicely. Regaining strength and avoiding falls should be your priority during this time.

In the long run, you’ll need to take steps to safeguard your new hip. High-impact activities that involve running and jumping may degrade your hip joint and should be avoided. By all means, have an active lifestyle, but you would do well to replace potentially harmful hobbies with low-impact alternatives, such as swimming, hiking, and biking. If you are young or active, your hip replacement may deteriorate with time, and another total hip replacement wouldn’t be out of the question. However; advancements are being made all the time, and we’ll soon see the day where hip replacements can hold up to anything and everything thrown at them.

Total hip replacement is a low-risk procedure with proven results. It can mean the difference between living in pain and living life on your terms. If you’re watching on as your mobility and way of life becomes increasingly threatened, schedule a consultation for total hip replacement. A brief surgery and few short months of recovery could be all that stands between you and a life free from hip pain.