Hip Surgery Types: Which One is Right for Your Condition?

Hip Surgery Types: Which One is Right for Your Condition?

Introduction

People suffering from injuries, diseases, or simply aging need to undergo hip surgery. Hip replacement surgery enables the patient to recover from immobility issues in the hip joint.

Usually, a person suffering from hip arthritis needs hip replacement surgery. The treatment takes place by either replacement or removal of the specific areas of the pelvis and thigh bone that make the hip joint functional.

This blog will prepare you to figure out need for hip replacement surgery, types of hip surgery, surgical approaches, what is the right for you, risk and benefit issues, as well as life after the recovery.

When Do You Need Hip Surgery?

If you start experiencing the following symptoms, it is your alarm to consult a doctor and get a hip surgery scheduled.

  • Pain in the front of your thigh, back of the knee joint, and usually in the groin.
  • Experiencing stiffness in the hip after resting for a long time, and unable to recover from the state quickly compared to others.
  • Unable to exercise or play a sport like football due to immobility issues that involve bending, running, or jogging.
  • An inability to hold a stance of one leg for a full minute. 
  • Already suffering from osteoarthritis, also known as hip arthritis.
  • Pain killers, physiotherapy, and steroid injections don’t work.
  • You’re having trouble sleeping on either of your sides.

Different Types of Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip joint pain can be treated by the different hip surgery types mentioned below:

Total Hip Replacement (THR)

The surgery involves the replacement of the hip joint with an implant. The implant materials can be made out of metal, plastic, or ceramic.

This entails removing all the damaged parts of the hip joint and filling the resultant void with a prosthesis to the healthy parts left. Total hip replacement improves mobility, relieves pain, and helps lead a normal life.

Partial Hip Replacement

Hemiarthroplasty is also referred to as partial hip replacement surgery. The surgery replaces the ball of the hip joint, while the socket will be kept normal. 

The natural femur is removed and replaced with prosthetic components, and is aligned with the socket accordingly.

This type of hip surgery is usually performed on elderly people who suffer from a fracture due to falling down.

Different Types of Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip Resurfacing

It is a substitute for total hip replacement surgery. It is particularly done for young patients who are active and have good bone health.

The surgery takes place by trimming the exterior of the femoral head and securing it with a metal covering.

However, the socket in such cases is replaced by a prosthetic element. This hip replacement procedure protects the patient’s natural bone making it easier to regain mobility and quality of life.

Revision Hip Replacement

This surgery is also referred to as revision total hip replacement, done in cases where the primary surgery for total hip replacement failed or had postcomplication thereof.

The procedure for revision hip replacement is carried out by removing and replacing the prosthesis of the initial surgery via implanting new ones.

However, there are infrequent chances of patients undergoing a revision hip replacement surgery. Research shows that one in twenty-three patients needs to go through a revision hip replacement within a decade.

Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery

It is a procedure that usually involves making a smaller surgical cut. Only a few muscles around the hip are removed in this process.

Young and thin individuals fare better in this surgery. Quick recovery and relief from pain are the other few aspects of minimally invasive hip surgery.

Types of Hip Replacement Approaches

Technological advancements have led to the introduction of various surgical approaches for hip replacement, like:

Posterior Hip Replacement Approach

It is a popular hip replacement approach. To execute the procedure it requires the patient to lie down in a way that the hip to be operated on faces outward. Doctors treating through this approach will not damage many muscles.

This approach doesn’t require any kind of surgical cut to be made on the patient’s hip. Thus, recovery is faster and easier.

Anterior Hip Replacement Approach

It has been observed that treatment could access the anterior aspect of the hip to limit damage to surrounding structures, to facilitate quicker recovery.

The anterior approach has recently gained attention among orthopedists for its ability to spare muscle.

Surgeons using this method support greater patient recovery speed and significantly lower chances of developing a limp.

Choosing the Right Surgery Option for You

You can choose the right type of hip replacement surgery for you by analysing the following things:

Severity of Joint Damage: Total hip replacement for severe damage by either arthritis or fracture, whereas partial replacement is recommended for limited joint damage.

Age and Activity Level: Younger active adults benefit from minimally invasive or anterior hip replacement. Also, older adults may need either total or partial replacement depending on their health.

Post-Operative Duration: The minimally invasive method of obtaining a fast recovery can vary from individual to individual. Consult your doctor about your particular option.

Surgeon Experience: The surgeon’s skill greatly affects outcomes. It is good to have a well-trained surgeon, specifically in the technique you want for better results and safer surgery.

Risks and Benefits of Hip Surgery

It is essential to acknowledge both the risks and benefits of hip surgery. So let’s discuss them in brief:

Risks of Hip Surgery

  • Infection or thrombosis might occur after surgery.
  • There is a possibility of dislocation, nerve injury, or failure of the implant.
  • Recovery may greatly vary from one person to another, depending on age and health status.

Benefits of Hip Surgery

  • Relieves chronic pain and discomfort within the hip joint.
  • Restores mobility for patients to pursue normal activities of daily living.
  • Enhances quality of life and independence.

Recovery and Life After Surgery

One may have to spend a few days in the hospital initially after surgery. During this time, one is given pain relievers and told to rest while the swelling subsides.

Physiotherapy is started early to regain muscle strength and movement in the hip. Some patients may require aids such as a cane or walker to ambulate.

Most people normalise routines after six weeks to three months. During this time, activities like jogging should not be undertaken because it is harmful to the new joint.

Regular follow-ups with your doctor help keep track of recovery and functionality of the implant. Healthy lifestyle practices assure success and mobility beyond the short-term period.

Schedule an Appointment with the Best Hip Surgeon in Indore

Hip surgery has relieved the pain of many and reinstated a better quality of movement in their daily activity.

Indicators for different types of surgery depend on age, lifestyle, bone integrity, and the surgeon’s advice according to the situation.

If you are facing any of the mentioned symptoms, it is recommended to consult Dr. Vikas Jain. He is a renowned hip replacement surgeon in Indore providing personalised treatment and excellent after-care. 

Book your appointment with him to get relief from the pain and lead a better quality of life!

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Dr, Vikaas Jain
Dr. Vikas Jain

MS – Orthopaedics, MBBS
Joint Replacement Surgeon
12 Years Experience Overall  (7 years as specialist)

Dr Jain has received training in one of the medical institutes in the country -KMC Manipal (rank 3 in India) as well as traineeship in Joint replacement & Sports medicine.
Internationally received Fellowship training certificate from European Orthopedic Association for Training in Hospital De Cascais – Lisbon- amongst the top 5 hospitals in entire Europe .

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FAQ's About Hip Surgery Types

The anterior route is considered best as it spares muscles and facilitates quicker recovery with less pain.

It means the damaged ball and socket of the hip joint is replaced with artificial implants to gain relief from pain.

The cost of hip-replacement surgery in India costs between ₹1.5 lakh and ₹4 lakh, depending on the type of hospital and implant chosen.

The damaged bone and cartilage are removed, after which they are replaced with metal, ceramic, or plastic components for joint functioning.

Ceramic is smoother and wear-resistant; titanium is strong and lightweight; the choice depends on the individual patient.

Surgery is the commonest treatment, in which metal plates and screws or replacement surgery are done depending on the type of fracture.

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