Health surveys have shown that hip replacement procedures are one of the most frequently performed and successful orthopedic surgeries performed. Candidates for hip replacement surgery are men and women who have diseased hips that causes pain and immobility, interfering with day-to-day activities and are not responding well to treatment, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). This major surgical procedure requires the patient to be under general anesthesia as the surgeon takes out the diseased part of the joint and inserts the new one. Orthopedic experts have upgraded the surgical technique in performing this operation and most patients are able to return to their daily activities faster.
Although there is still limited movement shortly after the operation, patients will learn how to efficiently use their new hip. Ti speed up the recovery process, physical therapists will teach the patient several joint strengthening exercises. Following these exercises diligently will help patients get their mobility back and strengthen their new hip. The full weight of the patient may not be supported by the new hip during the first few weeks, hence, it is important to use walking aids at first. Therapy will help patients slowly ease their weight in the operated leg and eventually they will not need to use any additional support.
Recovery will be easier when individuals prepare the house before undergoing the procedure. Health care providers may be consulted on how to make the house ready and safe. It may take a while before one is able to use the stairs, thus, patients are advised to stay in the lower floor or near the bathroom. There are certain height specifications for commodes, chairs and beds to prevent hip dislocation. Living alone after the operation may be difficult, thus it will be more convenient to have someone around even just for the first few weeks following the procedure. Keeping objects that are frequently used in arm's reach will also prevent dislocation.
Recovery may also vary with each person but full recovery is usually achieved within three to six months. Rehabilitation, type of procedure and the person's overall health all affect the recovery rate. Hip replacement procedure is still a viable choice even though there have been several controversies with the implants used in the procedure. News about a possible $3 billion settlement for all ASR lawsuits for the lawsuits filed by patients is even discussed at great lengths.
URL References:
niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Hip_Replacement/#7
mayoclinic.com/health/hip-replacement/MY00235/DSECTION=what-you-can-expect
orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00356
nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/patientinstructions/000167.htm
sutterhealth.org/orthopedics/hip/preparing-for-hip-replacement.html#yourhome
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