Hip Replacement-Things to Consider

Overview

Hip replacement surgery is commonly performed to treat hip conditions like severe osteoarthritis and hip fractures. The main approach for these surgeries include the anterior and the posterior approach.

• Types of hip replacement
• Total Hip Replacement

It is the most common type of hip replacement that uses artificial components to replace the entire hip structure. A stem is inserted into the patient’s femur, or thighbone, for stability. They replace the head of the femur with a ball and replace the natural socket in the hip joint with an artificial cup.

Partial Hip Replacement

It is a type of hip replacement surgery that removes and replaces the femoral head, which is the ball at the top of the femur, or thighbone. It does not replace the socket. A ceramic or metal ball is attached to the top of a stem that’s inserted into the hollow center of the femur for repairing certain types of hip fractures.

Hip Resurfacing

It includes trimming of damaged bone from the natural bone ball at the top of the thigh bone and is resurfaced with a smooth metal covering. Instead of replacing the ball, a metal cap is glued on the arthritic ball. It’s a type of hip replacement that helps relieve pain from cartilage loss.

Bilateral Hip Replacement

It is a type of hip replacement when both hips require replacement. A staged hip replacement a type of hip replacement which is done by replacing one hip at a time, letting the patient recover from the first surgery before doing the second one. Alternatively, the patient may undergo a bilateral hip replacement in which both hips are replaced at the same time.

Before the surgery

• Ask the surgeon which type of replacement and approach is planned, and which movements to avoid afterwards.
• Prepare the home: a raised toilet seat or commode, a firm chair with arms, a shower seat and grab bars, and no loose rugs.
• Arrange help for the first weeks: meals, medicines and getting around.
• Start prehabilitation if possible: gentle strength and balance work; see joint replacement prehabilitation.

After the surgery

1. Follow the movement rules the surgeon gives, such as not crossing the legs or bending the hip too far. 2. Use the walker or frame as taught; see walking frame after hip or knee surgery. 3. Take pain medicine and blood thinners exactly as prescribed. 4. Do the physiotherapy exercises every day. 5. Watch the wound and report redness, discharge, fever, a hot swollen calf or sudden breathlessness at once. 6. Sit on firm, higher seats; see cushions after hip replacement and hip replacement recovery equipment.

Make the bathroom safe

A raised seat, grab bars and a non-slip floor prevent the falls that put new hips at risk; see after hip surgery: bathroom setup.

When to ask a professional

The surgeon and physiotherapist set the plan. A nurse can manage dressings and checks at home, and an occupational therapist can set up the house. Our care advisors can arrange post-surgery care and equipment.

About our care services

Emoha’s Care Angels (CAs) and Community Managers are well equipped to manage their healthcare at home giving loved one complete medical, emotional support and peace of mind for the family.