subject: Total Hip Replacement Offers The Chance Of Living Normally [print this page] The hip joint performs the function of supporting our body weight apart from supporting body movements, but it can get damaged easily owing to various factors like age and normal wear and tear. In such cases, total hip replacement may be the only answer, especially if the problem is acute and movement is extensively affected. This is the process where the ruined cartilages and bones of the hip joint is removed and surgically supplanted with artificial ones. In the total hip replanting process, both the femoral head and the cup-shaped acetabulum are taken out and replaced with an artificial ball, a stem and a cup socket.
Total hip replacement becomes necessary in cases of abnormal conditions of the hip joint, chronic arthritis, fractures in the bones near the hip joints or complete death of the hip bone. Excessive intake of certain kinds of drugs, alcoholism or ailments like cancers also can result in hip damages. The day-by-day worsening of the situation results in extreme pain while moving about or even when static. So it is better to undergo a suitable diagnosis and decide whether you need a replacement surgery, before it gets worse.
The greatest complications which may come up during the hip replacement method are blood clots, shock, respiratory failures etc. In addition, discomfort while urinating, skin infections in local areas, scarring of hip muscles during surgery, pneumonia etc are also registered in some patients. In there are any signals of heart ailments, lung problems, heavy diabetes, digestion problems etc, physicians may postpone the surgery for a more suitable time.
Once the replacement procedure is over the patient is administered pain managing drugs and antibiotics in addition to providing outstanding post-operative care to avoid infections and dislocation of the implanted hip. Even after getting out of the hospital, patients are counseled to be careful while moving about and patients of advanced age are advised to use supportive tools like a walking stick in order to preclude any chance of further hip dislocation.
A person can lead a normal life after the total hip replacement treatment. It is heartening to note that more than 90 percent of all patients recover totally and the replacement device normally works well for more than ten years. After this period, the patient may have to undergo revision surgery where a new implant is placed in the location of the old one.
