Hip Replacement

Hip replacement surgery is done for people with severe hip damage. Hip replacement is also called arthroplasty. In hip replacement surgery, the femoral head is replaced with a metal ball and metal stem attached in the thighbone. A plastic and metal socket is implanted into pelvic bone to replace the damaged socket. The prosthetic parts fit together and function like a normal hip joint.

Hip replacement surgery usually takes two to three hours and is performed under general or regional anesthesia. The surgeon separates thighbone from the socket and then the surgeon removes the diseased or damaged bone and tissue, leaving healthy bone and tissue intact. The thighbone is hollowed out so that it can accommodate the metal stem attached with the metal ball. The metal ball and the socket join and function as new hip joint.

Why Hip replacement ?

Hip replacement is usually considered once other therapies, such as pain medications, have failed. Most people undergo hip replacement as a result of osteoarthritis of the hip joint. Hip replacement is also considered if severe pain is experienced, loss of normal movement or deformity of hip joint. Hip replacement is also used in people with hip injuries, rheumatoid arthritis and other medical conditions, such as a bone tumor or bone loss due to insufficient blood supply.
Some common symptoms usually experienced by patients who may consider hip replacement include:
-- Severe pain that does not allow a better sleep time at night
-- Little or no relief from pain medications
-- Difficulty in walking up or down stairs
-- Trouble standing from a seated position
-- Pain caused while walking

Hip replacement is commonly used as an option for adults age 60 and above. Technological advancements has made strong and longer lasting artificial joints that are feasible for more active people, including younger people. However, active people face the possibility of another surgery to replace worn out artificial hip joints after 15 or 20 years

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