HIP REPLACEMENT

Hip replacement, also hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the hip joint is replaced by a prosthetic implant. Such joint replacement surgery generally is conducted to relieve arthritis pain or fix severe physical joint damage.

Total hip replacement is most commonly used to treat joint failure caused by osteoarthritis. Other indications include rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, traumatic arthritis, protrusio acetabuli certain hip fractures, benign and malignant bone tumors, arthritis associated with Paget's disease, ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

In a hip replacement, the surgeon removes damaged cartilage and bone from your hip joint and replaces them with new, synthetic parts. This can relieve pain, help your hip joint work better, and improve your walking and other movements. The aims of the procedure are pain relief and improvement in hip function. Hip replacement is usually considered only once other therapies, such as pain medications, have failed.

There are several different approaches to performing hip replacement. They are:
•  Posterior (Moore) approach
•  Lateral (Hardinge or Liverpool) approach
•  Antero-lateral (Watson-Jones) approach
•  Anterior (Smith-Petersen) approach
•  Greater Trochanter Osteotomy

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR RETURN

To make your homecoming easier, you should prepare your home prior to having your surgery. The following can help:

•  Place the frequently used items like phone, television remote control, radio, facial tissues, wastebasket, pitcher and glass, reading materials, and medications within reach so you do not have to reach up or bend down.
•  Rearrange furniture so you can get about on a walker or crutches.
•  Get a good chair, preferably with arm rest so you have added support when gettin up or sitting down. A chair that is firm and has a higher-than-average seat is safer and more comfortable than a low, soft-cushioned chair.
•  Remove any throw rugs or area rugs that could cause you to slip.
•  Fasten all electrical cords in your room to prevent any accidental tripping.
•  Install a shower chair, grab bar, and raised toilet in the bathroom.

RECOVERY AND REHABILITATION

For the first few days following a hip replacement surgery you will want to take it easy. However, it is important that you start some activities immediately to offset the effects of the anesthetic, help the healing, and keep blood clots from forming in your leg veins. Your doctor and physical therapist can give you specific instructions on wound care, pain control, diet, and exercise. They should also indicate how much weight you can put on your affected leg.

Pain management is important in your early recovery. Initially, you may receive pain medication through an IV (intravenous) tube. After a day or two, injections or pills will replace the IV tube. Other medications you may receive may include antibiotics and blood-thinner to help prevent blood clots from forming in the veins of your thigh and calf.

On the day after the surgery, a physical therapist will teach you how to use your new joint. It is important that you get up and about as soon as possible after hip replacement surgery. Even in bed, you can pedal your feet and pump your ankles regularly to keep blood flowing in your legs. You may have to wear elastic stockings and/or a pneumatic sleeve to help keep blood flowing freely. You will be taught to do breathing exercises to keep your chest and lungs clear.

Once you are discharged to go home, you should pay attention to the following:
- Keep the skin clean and dry.
- In case you have stitches that need to be removed, you will receive specific instructions about the incision and when you can bathe.
- Notify your doctor if the wound appears red or begins to drain.
- Take your temperature twice daily and notify your doctor if it exceeds 100.5°F.
- Swelling is normal for the first 3 to 6 months after surgery. Elevate your leg slightly and apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, a few times a day.
- Notify your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms like calf pain, chest pain, and shortness of breath as these are signs of a possible blood clot.

EXERCISES

These exercises are important for increasing circulation to your legs and feet to prevent blood clots. They also are important to strengthen muscles and to improve your hip movement. You may begin these exercises in the recovery room shortly after surgery. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but these exercises will speed your recovery and reduce your postoperative pain. These exercises should be done as you lie on your back with your legs spread slightly apart.

•  Hip Extension - Gluteal Set
•  Knee and Hip Flexion
•  Hip Abduction & Adduction
•  Isometric Hip Abduction
•  Hip Extension - Bridging
•  Quadriceps Setting
•  Knee Extension Hang
•  Terminal Knee Extension
•  Straight Leg Raising
•  Knee Flexion
•  Ankle Exercises

For affordable hip replacement surgery, please contact Healthbase. Healthbase is a medical tourism expert connecting patients to leading orthopedic hospitals worldwide. Healthbase also offers medical tourism plans for self-insured businesses and insurance companies looking for affordable healthcare benefits for employees or clients.