Hip Replacement Surgery

What is Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is a treatment generally recommended in cases where joint diseases such as osteoarthritis progress. During this operation, the surgeon removes damaged parts of the hip joint and replaces these parts with artificial components. These new components are designed to act like a real hip joint and are often made from durable metal, plastic or ceramic materials.

The main goals of this surgical intervention include:

• Eliminating chronic and severe joint pain.
• To normalize hip joint function.
• Increasing freedom of movement for the patient.
• Improving the quality of life.

During the operation, the surgeon’s priority is to use the most minimally invasive method necessary to cause the least damage to the patient. This means shorter recovery times and less risk of post-operative complications.

When is Hip Replacement Surgery Required?

The hip joint is one of the largest joints in our body and can become damaged over time for various reasons. Depending on the severity of this damage, hip replacement surgery may be required. Some common conditions that damage the hip joint include:

• Primary osteoarthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Hip joint infections
• Congenital hip dislocation or other congenital anomalies
• Osteonecrosis resulting from chronic steroid use

But before resorting to surgery, your doctor may usually recommend trying less invasive treatment options:

• Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections
• Special physiotherapy routines
• Making changes to regular activities
• Supportive devices such as orthopedic shoes or insoles
• Lose weight and reduce the load on the joints

You and your doctor should determine whether surgery is the right option for you and which treatment method is best for you.

How to Prepare for Hip Replacement Surgery?

Since hip replacement surgery is a major surgical intervention, it is important to be physically and mentally prepared before surgery. Here are some suggestions to consider for optimal results and a speedy recovery process:

• Be Informed : Learn about the stages of the surgery, the post-process and possible complications by having a detailed conversation with your surgeon. Also learn about the post-operative rehabilitation process.
• Physical Preparation : You may need to start some physical therapies or exercise routines before surgery if your surgeon recommends it. This can speed up the recovery process after surgery.
• Avoid Smoking : Smoking can slow wound healing and increase the risk of complications. If possible, quit smoking before surgery.
• Weight Control : If you are overweight, losing weight before surgery can reduce pressure on the joint and facilitate the healing process.
• Help and Support Planning : Plan for someone to help with housework and daily routines in the first weeks after surgery.
• Preparation in advance : You can prepare and freeze some meals in advance for convenience after surgery.
• A Comfortable Space : Create a comfortable corner at home as you will have plenty of rest after the surgery. Keep essentials on hand so you minimize your need to move around.

Performing Hip Replacement Surgery

During the surgery, you will be given anesthesia so that you do not feel pain. The type of anesthesia will be determined by your general health, allergies, and other factors. Your surgeon will make an incision in your hip. The incision may vary depending on the technique to be applied and the experience of the surgeon. After the damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the hip joint, artificial components are added and placed. When the operation is completed, you will return to the patient room.

Recovery Process After Hip Prosthesis

After the surgery, how long you need to stay in the hospital is determined by your general health condition and the complications of the surgery. It takes 3-4 days for patients to be admitted.

If you need extra rehabilitation or therapy, your specialist team can refer you to an appropriate rehabilitation centre.

After surgery, patients are recommended to practice certain exercises and learn correct movement techniques to improve hip function.

Following your hospital stay, or if you are returning home the same day, your healthcare team will inform you about how to care for you at home.

The recovery process after hip replacement may vary depending on the individual. However, it is generally accepted that the most significant progress is seen in the first two months after surgery. The full recovery process can generally take up to a year; During this time, the muscles become stronger and the patient’s activity level increases.

New Life After Hip Replacement Surgery

Many people who have had hip replacement surgery;

• Increased mobility,
• Decreased pain,
• Feels a significant improvement in overall quality of life.

However, some precautions need to be taken to ensure that this improvement is continuous. Here are some suggestions to consider both outdoors and at home:

Things to Consider Outdoors:

• Consider using a cane or walker to keep your balance on walks.
• Choose comfortable shoes with non-slip soles.
• Take careful steps according to weather conditions; Be extra careful, especially in rainy or icy weather.
• Watch your steps when moving to different level surfaces.
• Be careful on roads and sidewalks, and be careful to walk in well-lit areas, especially at night.

Precautions You Should Take at Home:

• Keep walkways in your home unobstructed; Eliminate items that may pose a tripping hazard, especially cables and toys.
• Be careful of slippery surfaces; especially on freshly cleaned floors or in the bathroom.
• Always take support from the railings when using stairs.
• Make sure the carpets and rugs in your home are non-slip.
• In your bathroom, use special bath mats to reduce the risk of slipping and install handles that you can use for support while taking a shower or bath.
• When getting up at night, make sure your room is adequately lit or have a flashlight handy.
• Make sure you have your phone with you at all times; so you can call for help immediately in an emergency.