Total Hip Replacement Surgery

Unilateral hip replacement surgery is conducted in patients who suffer from osteoarthritis of just one hip joint or those who have damaged or infected joint on one side of the hips.

A unilateral hip replacement surgery is less time intensive and serious than a bilateral hip replacement surgery, which involves removal and replacement of joints on both the sides of the hips.

During the unilateral hip replacement surgery, which is also known as hip arthroplasty, the affected side of the hip is cut open to expose the diseased hip joint. It is cut and removed before transplanting artificial prosthesis.

Some hip replacement surgeons may choose to use the cemented prosthesis, while others may choose uncemented prosthesis. Opening up the hip area to perform the surgery is not necessary if a minimally invasive technique is used to achieve the same objective.

Unilateral hip replacement surgery is the last treatment options for a patient who have not experienced any relief from constant hip pain through other alternative treatments such as physical therapy, exercising, and the use of painkillers.

Best Candidates For Unilateral Hip Joint Surgery

Patients who experience the following symptoms are recommended to undergo unilateral hip replacement surgery:

• Constant pain on one of the  side that makes it difficult to walk, stand, or sit properly
• Stiffness on one side of the hip
• Pain on one side of the hip even when resting

• You will be given anesthesia before the surgery. Once you are under its effect, the surgical site is cleaned with an antiseptic and an intravenous line in the arm or hand is attached.
• The surgeon makes an incision at the surgical site and removes the diseased hip joint with the help of surgical tools. The removed joint is replaced with an artificial prosthesis and the incision is closed with surgical staples or stitches. The incision site is secured with a sterile bandage dressing.
• In the case of a minimally invasive surgery, several small incision are made to insert the surgical tools. The unilateral hip replacement recovery time performed using minimally invasive technique is much less as compared to open surgery.

Unilateral hip replacement surgery 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 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 removes stitches approximately two weeks after the surgery. 

See that you do not wet the wound until it is sealed and dried. You can bandage the wound to avoid irritation from clothing or support stockings. The unilateral hip replacement recovery time is less as compared to bilateral surgery.

Recovery Steps post Hip Replacement Surgery

During the first few weeks of your 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. You 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. You may be given medications to manage pain after the surgery for a few days until it goes away completely.