how long does it take to walk normally after hip surgery?

Introduction

A procedure in which a doctor surgically removes a treatment for arthritis in hips and knees and replaces it with an artificial joint mostly made from metal and plastic components is called Hip Replacement Surgery. 

One of the most suitable and effective options after all other treatments have not been able to provide adequate pain relief.

Hip replacement surgery involves removing parts of the hip joint that are causing problems, mostly the ball and socket and replacing them with new parts made from metal, plastic or ceramic.

Hip Anatomy

One of the body’s largest joints, the hip, is a ball-and-socket joint that allows a good range of movement in any direction.

The upper end of the femur or the femoral head forms the ball of the hip joint and is located at the top of the thigh bone, which rotates within a hollow or socket in the pelvis, called the acetabulum.

The bone surfaces of the ball and socket are covered by a soft tissue called Articular cartilage, buffering the ends of the bones and facilitating them to move easily.

A thin tissue which is called synovial membrane surrounds the hip joint and makes fluid that lubricates the cartilage eliminating almost all friction during hip movement.

The ligaments (bands of tissues) connect the ball to the socket and provide stability to the joint.

Common Causes of Hip Pain

The top most cause of chronic hip pain & disability is Arthritis. 

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, 

and traumatic arthritis are its most common forms.

• Osteoarthritis is an age-related “wear and tear” type of arthritis that generally occurs in people 50 years of age and older.
• The cartilage which cushions the bones of the hip wears away causing the bones to rub against each other, resulting in hip pain & stiffness. 
• Rheumatoid arthritis: The most common type of a group of disorders is termed “inflammatory arthritis”, Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the synovial membrane becomes swollen and thickened, damaging the cartilage eventually, leading to pain and stiffness. 
• Post-traumatic arthritis:  A severe hip injury or fracture can sometimes damage the cartilage, leading to hip pain and stiffness over time.
• Childhood hip disease: There may be hip problems in some infants and children which even when successfully treated during childhood, may still cause arthritis later on in life as sometimes the hip may not grow in a normal manner and affect the joint surfaces.

Role of Surgery

The smooth articular cartilage wears away and becomes frayed and rough in the hip with Osteoarthritis.

If your hip has been damaged by arthritis, common actions such as walking or sitting, wearing shoes and socks etc may be painful and difficult.  One may even feel uncomfortable while resting.

If the symptoms are not adequately relieved by medications, changes in everyday activities, and the use of walking supports, you may consider hip replacement surgery.

A safe and effective procedure, hip replacement surgery can relieve the pain, increase motion, and help get back to leading a normal, pain-free life.

Age or weight are no restrictions for the total hip replacements.

Total hip replacements have a high success rate at all ages, ranging from the young teenager with juvenile arthritis to the elderly patient with degenerative arthritis.

Surgery

Hip Replacement surgery is a procedure which usually takes from 1 to 2 hours. The ortho specialist near me removes the damaged cartilage & bone. 

The damaged femoral head is replaced with a metal stem that is placed into the hollow centre of the femur, placing a metal or ceramic ball on the upper part of the stem. This ball acts as a replacement for the damaged femoral head.

The damaged cartilage surface of the socket is removed & replaced with a metal socket, using screws to hold the socket in place.

The surgeon then positions new metal, plastic, or ceramic implants to restore the alignment and function of the hip.

Read more :- Partial Hip Replacement Surgery

Activities To Avoid After Hip Replacement Surgery

For about six to 12 months after hip replacement surgery, swinging or twisting on the involved leg has to be avoided and the patient should not cross the involved leg past the midline of the body also avoiding to turn it inward or bend at the hip past 90 degrees. 

The physical therapist provides techniques and adaptive equipment to help one follow the guidelines and precautions while performing daily activities. Following the therapist’s recommendations is extremely important.

Recovery

The success of the hip replacement surgery largely depends on how well one follows the instructions of the orthopaedic surgeon, regarding home care during the first few weeks after surgery.

Is Hip Replacement Surgery Safe?

Having been performed for several years now Hip replacements surgery and surgical techniques are highly successful and safe especially when performed by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon like Dr Tanveer Bhutani at Eva Hospital Ludhiana, which is well equipped to perform these kinds of intricate and sensitive surgeries. 

An experienced surgeon will prescribe you adequate medications to help prevent blood clots, infection and bleeding.

Life of the Replaced Joint

Improvements in surgical techniques and artificial joint materials are making these implants highly successful.

The realistic activities following total hip replacement include unlimited walking, swimming, golf, driving, hiking, biking, dancing, and other low-impact sports and with appropriate activity modification, hip replacements can last for many years