Everything You Need To Know About Hip Replacement Surgery in Delhi

During the hip replacement surgery in Delhi, a hip joint that has been damaged or worn is replaced, usually by arthritis or injury. In the hip revision (or repetition of hip replacement) an artificial hip joint that has become loose, infected or worn is replaced.

You will meet with the orthopaedic in Delhi who will perform the procedure to discuss your treatment. It may be different from what is described in this document because it will be designed to fit your needs.

ABOUT HIP REPLACEMENT

The hip is an enarthrosis joint. Normally, the ball at the upper end of the thigh bone (femur) moves smoothly in the pelvic cavity (hip) over a cartilage lining. Cartilage prevents bones from rubbing. If the cartilage wears out, the underlying bone is exposed and causes pain and stiffness in the joint. As a result, walking and moving causes pain.

A new hip joint can improve your mobility and decrease pain.

TYPES OF ARTIFICIAL HIPS

The artificial parts of hips can be metal, ceramic or plastic. The hip joints can be fixed in place by a special substance called 'bone cement'. Alternatively, it can be designed so that its bone grows on the metal. These 'uncemented' hips can be covered with a type of bone mineral (hydroxyapatite) or they can be made of a material with many tiny holes (porous coating). This stimulates the bone to grow into the artificial joint and snaps into place. 

HIP REVISION SURGERY

During the original hip replacement in Delhi, the hip joint is replaced with artificial hip pieces. Generally, they last between 10 and 20 years, until they need to be replaced.

Renewing an artificial hip joint is more complicated than the original operation because the artificial hip joint should be removed before placing a new one. If the hip has loosened, it may not be so difficult for the orthopaedic in South Delhi, but if it is still attached to the bone, removing the old components can be a challenge.

Although there will be a great improvement, you may feel that the new joint does not improve your life like the original hip operation. This may be due to the fact that the muscles may take longer to recover from the reconstruction of scar tissue and the repetition of the operation.

WHAT ALTERNATIVES ARE THERE FOR HIP REPLACEMENT?

Generally, hip replacement surgery in South Delhi is recommended only if nonsurgical treatments, such as analgesics (eg, acetaminophen), anti-inflammatories (eg, ibuprofen), or using physical assistance such as a cane, no longer help reduce pain or improve Mobility.

The hip surface prosthesis is a better option for people with stronger bones. In this operation, the surfaces of the enarthrosis are covered with metal covers.

PREPARATION FOR THE OPERATION

The orthopaedic in Dwarka will explain how to prepare for the operation. For example, if you smoke, you will be asked to stop smoking, as this increases your risk of infection in the chest and wound, which may delay your recovery.

Normally, the operation will be performed under general anaesthesia. This means that you will be asleep during the operation. As an alternative, you will undergo surgery under epidural anaesthesia or lumbar [add link to epidurals for surgery and pain relief]. This completely blocks the sensitivity of the waist down and you remain awake during the operation. Your orthopaedic in Janakpuri will tell you which type of anaesthesia is best for you. Often, they are placed combined, so that people remain asleep, but epidural / lumbar anaesthesia will calm any pain immediately after surgery.

If you are going to be given general anaesthesia, you will be asked to fast. It means that you should not eat or drink, normally about six hours before. However, it is important to follow the advice of your anaesthetist.

Your orthopaedic in Uttam Nagar will explain what will happen before, during and after the procedure, and about any pain you may feel. This is your opportunity to understand what will happen, and you can help yourself and prepare questions about the risks, benefits and other alternatives to the procedure. This will help you to be informed, so that you can give your consent by signing a consent form, to carry out the procedure. 

You may be asked to wear compression stockings to prevent blood clots from forming in the veins of the legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT).

ABOUT THE OPERATION

A hip replacement in South Delhi, usually, lasts two hours.

The surgeon will make an incision (20 to 30 cm long) on ​​your hip and thigh. Then, it will separate the enarthrosis (hip joint).

The head will be removed from the upper end of the femur (the femoral head) and a head will be inserted on a replacement rod in the femur. The cavity of the hip will be emptied to make a shallow cup and an artificial cavity will be placed. Then the two halves of the hip joint are joined (the head is placed inside the cavity).

The orthopaedic surgeon in Delhi will close the incision in the skin with stitches and clips and cover it with a bandage.

It may be possible for the orthopaedic in RK Puram to make a smaller incision on the hip and thigh. This type of operation (minimally invasive hip replacement) is performed with specially designed surgical instruments. It is not suitable for everyone; Consult your orthopaedic in Malviya Nagar if it is an option for you.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER

You should rest until the anaesthesia has passed. After epidural or lumbar anaesthesia, you may not be able to feel or move your legs for a few hours. You may need painkillers to help with any discomfort when the effects of anaesthesia subside.

They can place a special pillow between the legs so that the hip joint is still and to prevent it from dislocating.

You may be given medicine (injections or tablets), such as rivaroxaban or dabigatran, to prevent DVT. They will be given shortly after surgery, and you may need to take them for a few weeks.

A physiotherapist (a health professional who specializes in movement and mobility) will visit you daily to guide you in exercises designed to help your recovery.

You will remain in the hospital until you can safely walk with the help of a cane or crutch. Normally it's five days. However, if the general line is in shape and feels good, the surgeon can suggest that you perform an accelerated rehabilitation program, where you start walking the day of the operation and you are discharged one to three days later.

Before you go home, the nurse will give you advice on how to take care of your hip and a date for a follow-up visit.

Most stitches or clips should be removed after 12 to 14 days. The absorbable points do not need to be removed.

RECOVERY FROM A HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY

If you need pain relief, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Always read the information for the patient that comes with your medication and if you have any questions, check with your pharmacist.

The exercises recommended by the physiotherapist are an indispensable part of your recovery, so it is essential that you continue doing them.

During the first six weeks you should not make certain movements. For example, do not cross your legs or turn your hips in or out. This is to reduce stress on the scar and to decrease the risk of dislocation. The physiotherapist will give you more tips on how to protect your hips.

Must be able to move around your house and up and down stairs. For a few weeks, you will feel that some routine activities, such as shopping, are difficult to perform and you should ask for help. You must use crutches for four to six weeks.

Generally, you can do a light job again after six weeks. But if you must stop and sit continuously at work, you may need to stay at home longer.

Follow your surgeon's instructions about driving, since the time before you can drive again will depend on several factors, including which leg was operated on and if your car is automatic.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Hip replacement in Delhi is a common and generally safe practice. However, to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of possible side effects and the risk of complications.

Side effects

Side effects, although unwanted, are mostly temporary effects that you may have after the procedure.

Your hip will hurt for several weeks, and you may have temporary pain and swelling in your thigh and ankle.

Complications

Complications are problems that arise during or after the operation. Most people who are operated on the hip are not affected. The possible complications of any operation are unexpected reactions to anaesthesia, excessive bleeding, or the formation of clots, usually in a vein of the leg (deep vein thrombosis, DVT).

Specific complications of hip replacement in South Delhi are not common, but may include: 

• Infection: You will be given antibiotics during and after surgery to prevent it.
• Joint dislocation: it is more likely to happen immediately after surgery, and you may need another surgery to treat it.
• Difference in leg length: your leg may be slightly shorter or longer and you may need to wear a high shoe on the shorter side to correct the balance.
• Hip fracture: the bone can undergo small cracks while the new joint is placed. It usually heals, but sometimes the bone can break and require surgery.
• Unstable joint: the hip joint may loosen and may require surgery to correct it.
• Damage to the nerves: can often result in insensitivity around the scar, but rarely the sciatic nerve can stretch and weaken the foot (it is usually temporary).

Generally, the artificial hip joint lasts between 10 and 20 years, after which time you may need to replace it.

The exact risks are individual and vary according to the patient, so we have not included statistics here. Consult the surgeon to explain how the risks apply to you.