subject: Total Hip Replacement To Offer Normal Life To Victims Of Damaged Hip Joints [print this page] Our hip joint assists in body movements and supports body weight though it can get spoiled very easily due to various reasons like regular usage and the process of getting older. In such cases, total hip replacement may be the only answer, especially if the problem is acute and movement is extensively distracted. This is the process where the destroyed 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 removed and replaced with an artificial ball, a stem as well as a cup socket.
Total hip replacement becomes essential 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. High 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 intensive agony while moving about or even when static. So it is better to undergo a correct diagnosis and decide whether you need a replacement surgery, before it gets worse.
There are many risks linked with hip replacement procedures like respiratory failures, blood clots and shock. In addition, pain while urinating, skin infections in local areas, scarring of hip muscles during surgery, pneumonia etc are also noted in some patients. In there are any hints 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 controlling 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 gadgets like a walking stick in order to preclude any chance of further hip dislocation.
The total hip replacement procedure helps the patient to lead a normal life. It is heartening to note that more than 90 percent of all patients recover completely and the replacement gadget 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 place of the old one.
