General Information
DEFINITION--Arthro = joint; plasty = surgical shaping or alteration of. Hip
arthroplasty is the surgical formulation or reformation of the hip joint. Three types may
be used: cup or mold arthroplasty, total hip replacement, and total hip surface
replacement. Total hip replacement is described here. In this method, a metal ball
replaces the worn head of the thigh bone and a cup (often plastic) replaces the worn
socket.
BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Hip joint; muscles, ligaments, bones and bursa forming the
hip joint.
REASONS FOR SURGERY--Diseased or injured hip with pain and stiffness causing an
altered gait and impaired quality of life.
SURGICAL RISK INCREASES WITH
- Obesity; smoking.
- Excess alcohol consumption.
- Recent or chronic illness.
- Use of mind-altering drugs, including: narcotics; psychedelics; hallucinogens;
marijuana; sedatives; hypnotics; or cocaine.
What To Expect
WHO OPERATES--Orthopedic surgeon.
WHERE PERFORMED--Hospital.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
- Before surgery: General history; physical examination; x-rays of joint; joint aspiration
(to check for active infection); blood and urine studies.
- During surgery: X-rays.
- After surgery: X-rays.
ANESTHESIA--General anesthesia by injection and inhalation with an airway tube
placed in the windpipe or spinal anesthesia.
DESCRIPTION OF OPERATION
- An incision is made over the affected hip.
- The head and neck of the femur are removed.
- The femoral canal is reamed to accept the metal femoral component (head, neck and stem).
- The acetabulum is reamed to accept a plastic cup.
- The ball and socket are replaced into normal position.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
- Excessive bleeding.
- Surgical-wound infection.
- Blood clots.
- Pneumonia.
- Re-operation at a future time.
AVERAGE HOSPITAL STAY--0 to 1 day.
PROBABLE OUTCOME--Expect complete healing without complications. Allow about 6
weeks for recovery from surgery.
Postoperative Care
† Buy and use self-help devices, such as a raised toilet seat, bath bench and
long--
handled grippers, to limit hip bending.
- Use handrails and wear low shoes. > Learn and abide by your safe range of motion.
> Cough and deep breathe as instructed. > A hard ridge should form along the
incision. As it heals, the ridge will recede gradually. > Bathe and shower as usual.
You may wash the incision gently with mild unscented soap. > Use an electric heating
pad, a heat lamp or a warm compress to relieve incisional pain. > Move and elevate legs
often while resting in bed to decrease the likelihood of deep-vein blood clots. > Use
crutches or a cane to walk until your doctor determines that healing is complete. >
Physical therapy may hasten healing and restore strength. Ask your doctor.
† You may use non--prescription drugs, such as acetaminophen, for minor pain.
Avoid aspirin.
ACTIVITY
- As prescribed and directed by your surgeon and physical therapist.
- Avoid very active sports such as tennis, skiing or contact sports.
DIET
- No special diet.
- Vitamin and mineral supplements (sometimes).
Call Your Doctor If
† Pain, swelling, redness, drainage or bleeding increases in the surgical area.
- You develop signs of infection: headache, muscle aches, dizziness or a general ill
feeling and fever.
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