What is Total Hip Replacement? Procedure, Recovery Time, Cost of Surgery - A Detailed Explanation

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If you’re considering total hip replacement, you may wonder about the procedure, recovery time, and cost. This article covers everything you need to know about total hip replacement.

What is a Total Hip Replacement?

Total Hip Replacement is a surgical intervention that involves replacing a damaged or diseased hip joint with an artificial prosthetic implant. It is commonly advised for individuals experiencing intense hip pain and restricted movement as a result of conditions like arthritis or fractures.

Pain relief

Improved mobility

Enhanced quality of life

When is a Total Hip Replacement Required?

If you’re experiencing severe hip pain that limits your daily activities, have lost function in your hip joint, or have been diagnosed with conditions like osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, or a hip fracture, a total hip replacement may be necessary.

Severe Hip Pain

If you frequently experience severe hip pain that impedes your daily life, you may require a total hip replacement. This intense pain can significantly impact your hip mobility, making simple tasks challenging.

Loss of Function

When functional limitations such as difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or performing daily activities arise due to joint stiffness and pain, it may be time to consider a total hip replacement surgery.

Osteoarthritis

When deciding on a total hip replacement for osteoarthritis, assessing the extent of joint degeneration and functional limitations becomes crucial. Osteoarthritis management focuses on relieving pain, improving joint health, and enhancing mobility.

Hip Dysplasia

In cases of severe hip dysplasia, individuals may need to undergo a total hip replacement surgery. Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not form properly, causing pain, limited mobility, and walking difficulties.

Hip Fracture

The total hip replacement may be necessary for individuals with a hip fracture, especially when conservative measures fail to provide relief and restore normal function. Hip fractures often result from falls, osteoporosis, or trauma, requiring surgical intervention to realign the fractured bones.

Avascular Necrosis

In situations where there is a disruption in the blood supply to the hip joint, causing bone death and deterioration, total hip replacement surgery may be necessary to address the condition known as avascular necrosis.

Bone Tumors

Bone tumors affecting the hip joint may necessitate a total hip replacement to remove the diseased bone and replace it with a prosthetic joint to restore function and alleviate pain.

Traumatic Injury

When facing a traumatic injury that severely affects your hip joint, undergoing a total hip replacement may become necessary to restore mobility and stability to the joint.

What is Total Hip Replacement Procedure?

When preparing for total hip replacement, your healthcare team will carefully plan the surgery. They will use X-rays to guide the procedure and administer anesthesia for your comfort.

A precise surgical incision will be performed to access the hip joint during the procedure. This will be followed by attentive postoperative care to aid in your recovery.

Preoperative Preparation

Thorough preoperative planning is essential for a successful total hip replacement surgery. Your healthcare team will carefully consider the surgical approach, choose the appropriate implant, and assess the need for a blood transfusion. Open communication, following preoperative instructions, and addressing any concerns will help ensure a positive outcome and smooth recovery process.

X-rays

X-rays are utilized to assess the level of injury to the hip joint and aid the surgeon in strategizing the procedure. These images are crucial in determining the most suitable size and style of implant for the patient.

Anesthesia

Patients undergoing surgery are given either general anesthesia or regional anesthesia to guarantee their comfort and pain relief throughout the procedure.

Surgical Incision

In a total hip replacement surgery, the orthopedic surgeon skillfully makes an incision to reach the hip joint. They remove the damaged bone and cartilage, and then place and secure the prosthetic components onto the bone. Finally, the incision is closed using either sutures or staples.

Postoperative Care

Following a total hip replacement surgery, patients will receive close monitoring to ensure there are no complications. Pain control, physical therapy, and exercises to enhance mobility and strength will be key components of their postoperative care.

How Total Hip Replacement is Different from Partial Hip Replacement

To understand hemiarthroplasty vs total hip replacement, you should consider the extent of the affected joint and the scope of the surgical intervention.

Total Hip Replacement Partial Hip Replacement
Involves replacing the entire hip joint with an artificial joint.Involves replacing only the damaged portion of the hip joint.
Suitable for patients with advanced osteoarthritis or other severe hip conditions.Suitable for patients with less severe hip conditions or those with specific hip injuries.
Requires a longer recovery time and rehabilitation.Requires a shorter recovery time and rehabilitation.
Provides more stability and durability in the long term.May require revision surgery in the future if the rest of the hip joint deteriorates.
Can result in better overall hip function and range of motion. May not provide as much improvement in hip function and range of motion as total hip replacement.

Risk & Complications

You should be aware that undergoing total hip replacement surgery carries certain risks and potential complications. This includes the risk of infection, blood clots, implant loosening, and dislocation of the new joint. It’s crucial to follow rehabilitation strategies prescribed by healthcare professionals to regain strength, mobility, and function after surgery.

Post Surgery

After your total hip replacement surgery, your recovery time will vary depending on individual factors like age and overall health.

Following guided exercises and physical therapy is crucial for regaining strength and mobility in the hip joint. Remember to take necessary precautions to prevent falls and avoid activities that could strain your new hip.

Post Surgery Infographic

Recovery Time

Recovery time after total hip replacement surgery can vary, but most patients can expect to start walking with assistance within a day or two and fully recover within 6 to 12 weeks. It is important to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your healthcare provider to ensure a successful recovery.

Guided Exercise

It’s crucial to engage in guided total hip replacement exercises to aid in restoring hip function and strength efficiently. 

Gentle stretching exercises help improve flexibility and range of motion in the hip joint, reducing stiffness and discomfort post-surgery.

Low-impact activities like walking or swimming can strengthen muscles around the hip, promoting stability and support for the new joint.

Gradual progression to weight-bearing exercises can help improve overall strength and function of the hip.

Incorporating balance exercises can prevent falls and improve mobility, aiding in the recovery process.

Precautions

To ensure a smooth recovery after total hip replacement surgery, be mindful of the precautions you need to take post-surgery.

Avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping to prevent excessive stress on the new hip joint.

Be cautious when bending or twisting the hip beyond its comfortable range of motion to prevent dislocation.

Use assistive devices like walkers or canes as needed to reduce the risk of falls during the recovery period.

Follow proper lifting techniques to avoid straining the hip muscles and causing injury.

Notify healthcare providers of any new or worsening symptoms, such as pain or swelling, to address potential complications promptly and ensure a successful recovery.

Total Hip Replacement Surgery Cost in India

The total hip replacement surgery price can vary depending on various factors. Surgical expenses for the procedure can range from Rs 2,50,000 to Rs 6,00,000, covering the surgeon’s fees, hospital charges, anesthesia, and medical supplies.

Insurance coverage is crucial to consider, as it may help offset a portion of the costs, but copayments and deductibles can still apply. The rehabilitation process post-surgery is an additional expense to keep in mind, including physiotherapy sessions and assistive devices like walkers or crutches.

If you are considering total hip replacement surgery, consult with Dr. Vikas Jain. Widely recognized as the best doctor for total hip replacement in Kolkata/Indore/Mumbai, Dr. Jain has extensive experience and expertise in performing successful hip replacement surgeries. Schedule a consultation today to discuss if this procedure is the right option for you.

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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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Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Vikaas Jain
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A hybrid total hip replacement involves a combination of cemented and uncemented components to replace the hip joint.

To read a postoperative total hip replacement radiograph, look for proper positioning of the prosthesis, alignment of the components, any signs of loosening, fractures, or dislocation.

A total hip replacement can last for 15-20 years or more, depending on factors like activity level and implant quality

 Total hip replacement surgery typically takes around 1-2 hours to complete.

 Total hip replacement surgery can cause moderate to severe pain initially, but with proper pain management and rehabilitation, most patients experience relief and improved mobility within a few weeks.

Leg length discrepancy after total hip replacement can be caused by surgical technique, implant positioning, or pre-existing conditions.

Antibiotics should be continued for 24 hours after total hip replacement surgery to prevent infection.

Checking vitals after total hip replacement is important for monitoring patient recovery and detecting any potential complications.

Total hip replacement  ICD-10 codes are Z96.641 (Hip joint replacement status) and Z96.642 (Right hip joint replacement status).

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