››
Hip Replacement
For years, hip
replacement surgery has been a common solution for elderly individuals
suffering from rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, as well as other
conditions, injuries and diseases. However, hip replacement has become
a more common treatment option for younger individuals with these
conditions as well, and is no longer limited primarily to older and
less active individuals.
In most cases surgery is not the first option recommended by a
physician. Other alternatives, such as physical therapy and walking
aids are often used as long as possible before a patient undergoes hip
replacement. In some cases, anti-inflammatories and medications such as
cortisone are also used as alternative treatments to hip replacement
surgery.
The procedure involves removing damaged or diseased cartilage and bone
from the hip. The parts of the hip which allow wide ranges of movement,
the acetabulum and the femur, are replaced with artificial parts. In
some surgeries, the artificial parts are cemented, and in other cases
they are made of porous materials so that the patient’s own
bone will grow to hold them in place.
Generally, an operation is considered necessary when other forms of
treatment have failed to relieve pain and other symptoms. As with all
surgeries, there are risks to hip replacement including blood clots.
More common risks are inflammation and hip dislocation.
Movement should be limited immediately following surgery, although
patients are required to begin some activities immediately both to
promote healing and to with the effects of the anesthetic used during
surgery. Most patients will remain in the hospital for several days.
Post-operative care will include physical therapy and pain medications.
Physical therapy will focus on teaching the patient the limitation of
the artificial hip replacement, and will teach them the proper ways to
bend, sit, walk and generally go about daily living with some new
limitations.
While exercise remains an important part of daily life, people who have
undergone hip replacement are expected to avoid high-impact activity.
Recommended options for exercise can include walking and swimming,
which provide cardiovascular benefits without undue strain on the hip
replacement.
Patients are encouraged to prepare their homes for their return prior
to surgery. This includes setting up an area with easy access to many
of the things the patient will need for entertainment during the first
several days home from the hospital, moving kitchen items within easy
reach, setting up a shower chair and removing anything on floor
surfaces that could cause slipping or tripping.
With proper preparation and attention to all post-operative
instructions, hip replacement patients can return to a normal and
active lifestyle in spite of some limitations.
››
A Healthy Dose of Good Advice
