Cost of Total Hip Replacement B/L Worldwide

Total hip replacement surgery also called total hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure conducted to replace the damaged or diseased hip joint with an artificial joint or prosthesis. The hip prosthesis contains the following three components:

• A stem, which fits into the thigh bone
• A ball that fits into the stem
• A cup which is inserted into the socket of the hip joint

The two types of prostheses used in total hip replacement surgery include a.) cemented and b.) uncemented prostheses. A combination of both is sometimes used during the surgery, depending on the recommendation made by the patient.

Hip joint surgery is conducted in patients when other non-surgical and surgical alternatives fail to work and relieve the patient of terrible hip pain. A successful hip joint surgery ensures increased mobility, improved function of the hip joint, and pain-free movement.

Two types of total hip replacement surgery differ based on whether a single or both hip joints are replaced. Total hip replacement bilateral refers to the replacement of joints on both sides of the hips. This procedure is conducted when both sides are affected.

The following are the conditions that require hip replacement surgery:

• Osteoarthritis: Commonly called wear-and-tear arthritis, it gradually damages the slick cartilage that covers the ends of bones and helps joints move smoothly.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: It is triggered by an overactive immune system, including inflammation that can erode cartilage and, at times the underlying bone, resulting in damaged and deformed joints.
• Osteonecrosis: This condition occurs by the insufficient blood supply to the ball portion of the hip joint, and might result from dislocation or fracture that leads to deformities.

The surgeon may decide to operate both sides of the hips in a single surgery or they may schedule two different surgeries with a gap in between them. The surgical approach that the hip replacement surgeon chooses before the procedure depends on the patient's condition and the surgical team's experience. Two approaches can be used to conduct the procedure – minimally invasive and open surgery.

Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery

Minimally invasive hip replacement is a relatively new procedure that allows for minimal healing and recovery time and small incisions. Open surgery, on the other hand, involves the creation of a single large incision that increases recovery and healing time. Each of these approaches has its pros and cons.

Before the surgery, the hip replacement surgeon will give you general anesthesia or a sedative. You would receive an intravenous line in the arm or hand. The surgical area is cleaned with an antiseptic solution and an incision is made in the hip area.

The surgeon then removes the damaged part of the hip joint and replaces the joint with an artificial joint or prosthesis.  The incision is closed with stitches or surgical staples and a drain is placed to remove fluid. The incision site is secured with a sterile bandage dressing.

Hip Implants: Cost, Quality, and Effectiveness

During the procedure, the surgeon removes a part of the thigh bone including the head of the bone, and replaces it with the prosthesis. The surface of the acetabulum is first roughened so that the new socket implant can attach to it well. Usually, a majority of artificial joint components are fixed using acrylic cement. However, cementless fixation has gained a huge popularity in the last few years.

The hip replacement implants may have plastic, metallic, or ceramic components. Metal-on-plastic implants are the most commonly used for hip replacement. Ceramic-on-plastic and ceramic-on-ceramic are used in younger and more active patients. Metal-on-metal is rarely used in younger patients.

• Post-surgery, the patient will be moved to a recovery area for a few hours while the anesthesia wears off. Medical staff will monitor blood pressure, pulse, alertness, pain or comfort level, and need for medications.
• Patients will be asked to breathe deeply, cough, or blow into a device to help keep fluid out of their lungs. How long you stay after surgery depends on your individual needs. Many people can go home that same day, recovery time varies from one patient to the other. The success of this surgery hugely depends on your ability to follow the instructions given by the surgeon's home care during the first few weeks after the procedure.
• At the time of discharge, you will still have sutures and stitched under the skin. The doctor will remove stitches approximately two weeks after the surgery. You can bandage the wound to avoid irritation from clothing or support stockings.
• During the first few weeks of surgery, make sure to perform the exercises advised by the doctor. You may experience a little discomfort during activity and at night for several weeks. The patient will be able to return to conduct light activities within three to six weeks after the surgery. Pain after hip replacement surgery goes away gradually. Patients may be given medications to manage pain after the surgery for a few days until it goes away completely.