Hip arthritis is a joint disease that occurs as a result of wear and tear of the cartilage tissue in the hip joint. This condition usually leads to pain, limited movement, and a decrease in quality of life. Surgical treatment for patients with advanced arthritis, i.e. hip arthritis surgery, is often recommended.
Who is Suitable for Hip Arthritis Surgery?
Osteoarthritis surgery is recommended for patients with advanced hip osteoarthritis. This surgery replaces damaged cartilage and bone with an artificial prosthesis. However, surgery is not recommended for every patient with osteoarthritis. Certain criteria are evaluated for the suitability of surgery.
Pain that negatively affects daily life and continues even when resting may require surgery. If this type of pain cannot be controlled with medication, surgery may be necessary. Patients who have difficulty with movements such as walking, sitting or climbing stairs may benefit from surgery. When movement limitations reach severe levels, surgery may be considered.
If physical therapy, medications, and injections do not yield results, surgery is necessary. Surgery is performed when conservative treatments are ineffective. People who have severe cartilage loss or deformation seen in X-rays and MRIs are candidates for surgery. This makes it difficult to resolve joint damage other than surgery.
It is applied to patients who have difficulty doing their daily work and whose social life is negatively affected. This method is an effective solution especially for those whose quality of life has seriously decreased.
Hip replacement surgery is generally recommended for older patients. However, it can also be applied to individuals who have severe arthritis at a young age. The decision to undergo surgery is made after a detailed evaluation by an orthopedic specialist on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, a comprehensive examination process is essential before surgery.
How is Hip Arthritis Surgery Performed?
Hip arthritis surgery, is the process of replacing the damaged hip joint with an artificial prosthesis. This surgery aims to eliminate the movement restriction and pain caused by calcification in the hip joint. The success of the surgical procedure is achieved with detailed planning, appropriate technique and post-operative rehabilitation.
General anesthesia or spinal anesthesia is applied before the surgery. In this way, the patient is operated on comfortably without feeling any pain. The surgeon carefully cuts the skin and muscle layers to reach the hip joint. Damaged cartilage and bone tissues are removed. The disorder in the joint caused by calcification is completely cleaned.
An artificial prosthesis is placed in the cleaned joint. The prosthesis is designed to mimic the movement of a natural hip joint. The prosthesis is fixed in a way that it fits with the bone. This process is sometimes done with a special adhesive, while sometimes the prosthesis is waited for to naturally fuse with the bone. The surgeon closes the cut tissues in layers and completes the stitches. The operation usually takes 1-2 hours.
After the surgery, the patient usually stays in the hospital for a few days. During this period, physical therapy is started and the patient is encouraged to walk slowly. Hip arthritis surgery, eliminates pain and increases mobility. Thus, it significantly improves the quality of life of patients.
Recovery Process After Hip Arthritis Surgery
Hip arthritis surgery The postoperative recovery process aims to enable the patient to return to their daily lives and to adapt to the prosthesis. This process must be managed carefully both in the hospital and after discharge. The speed of the recovery process depends on the patient's age, general health status and postoperative care.
After the surgery, the patient usually stays in the hospital for 2-5 days. During this time, pain control is provided and wound care is taken care of. In addition, simple exercises are started with the help of a physiotherapist. In the first days after the surgery, patients are usually helped to stand up with the help of a walker or cane.
After discharge, the recovery process continues at home. Physical therapy and exercises are of great importance during the first few weeks. Patients should move as recommended by the doctor. In this way, they can increase the placement of the prosthesis and joint mobility. Walking begins slowly and movements that put excessive load on the prosthesis are avoided.
Physical therapy is one of the most important parts of the recovery process. Regular exercises are performed to increase the flexibility of the hip joint and strengthen the surrounding muscles. These exercises accelerate the recovery of mobility. It usually takes 3-6 months to fully recover from hip replacement surgery. However, patients are able to perform their daily tasks within the first few weeks after surgery.
Patients can reduce the risk of infection and ensure the longevity of the prosthesis by following all instructions given by the doctor. Hip arthritis surgery At the end of the post-operative recovery process, patients can walk without pain. They can regain their mobility.
