Sometimes called arthoplasty, hip replacement surgery is a common procedure used to alleviate pain and restore your range of motion. As you prepare for hip replacement surgery, there is some important information to understand.
Significance
Between 200,000 and 300,000 people in the United States undergo hip replacement surgeries each year according Surgery.com. Of those patients, only 10 to 5 percent are under the age of 50.
General Explanation of the Procedure
During hip replacement surgery, an orthopedic surgeon removes your damaged hip joint and inserts a prosthetic or artificial joint in its place.
Reasons for a Hip Replacement Surgery
Orthopedists perform hip replacement surgeries to replace damage caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hip fractures, bone tumors and osteonecrosis, a condition where blood flow to your hip becomes restricted, resulting in death of the bone.
What to Expect After the Procedure
After the surgery, it is important to remain as active as possible and attend regular physical therapy to regain strength in your new joint. For the first six to eight weeks, you are likely to require the aid of a walker or cane, and may need medication to control pain in the days immediately following the surgery.
Risks from the Procedure
As with any surgery, there is a danger of blood clots in your legs as well as infection in the area of incision, while changes in leg length and joint stiffening are concerns unique to hip replacement. Potential problems with prosthetic joints include loosening, breakage and normal wear and tear.
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