Benefits of Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgery is primarily done to relieve pain and restore function in a damaged hip joint. It's commonly recommended for individuals with arthritis, hip fractures, or other joint issues that interfere with daily activities.

This procedure has a high success rate with over 90% of patients in India report satisfaction with their results. Most people experience reduced pain, better mobility, and an overall improvement in their quality of life. A major advantage of hip replacement is its durability. In most cases, the new joint lasts for many years. This helps individuals to return to normal routines and enjoy more active lifestyles. So, read on to learn more about hip replacement recovery time and the potential benefits it offers to patients suffering from chronic hip pain.

What is a Hip Replacement Surgery?

A hip replacement surgery or hip arthroplasty, is a medical technique that involves replacing a broken hip joint with an artificial one (a prosthesis). The head of the femur, commonly known as the thighbone, fits snugly into a pelvic cavity at the hip, which is a "ball-and-socket" joint. This joint may sometimes be affected by arthritis, trauma, and other diseases, resulting in severe pain and limited mobility.

In the procedure, the surgeon implants a metal socket into the pelvis, inserts a metal stem into the hollow core of the femur, and attaches a metal or ceramic ball to the tip of the stem. To make sure the new ball and socket glide together smoothly, a spacer composed of metal, ceramic, or plastic is positioned between them.

Who Can Benefit From A Hip Replacement?

Hip replacement surgery is usually recommended when the joint is severely damaged and conservative treatments like medication or physical therapy are no longer effective. If you’re experiencing constant pain, limited mobility, or joint stiffness that affects your daily routine, your doctor might suggest this procedure. People who are most likely to benefit from hip replacement include:

• Osteoarthritis (most common)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis)
• Injury such as a hip fracture
• Tumor in the hip joint
• Developmental hip dysplasia

Other signs to consider hip replacement:

• Persistent hip pain even while resting
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair
• Reduced quality of life due to limited hip function
• Ineffectiveness of conservative treatments such as physical therapy, injections, or medications

Always consult an orthopedic specialist to evaluate your specific condition and discuss if hip replacement is the right option for you.

Also Read: How to prepare for hip replacement surgery?

How Many Types of Hip Replacements Do Doctors Perform?

Hip replacement treatments are classified into various categories, each suited to a specific requirement or condition. Let’s take a look at each of them:

• Total Hip Replacement

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), additionally known as Total Hip Replacement (THR), is a surgical procedure in which damaged bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with artificial parts. THR ranks among the most economically beneficial and reliably effective orthopedic surgeries. THR yields favorable results for patients suffering from severe degenerative hip osteoarthritis, offering relief from pain, restoration of function, and enhancement of the overall quality of life.

• Hemiarthroplasty, or Partial Hip Replacement

Hip hemiarthroplasty, also known as partial hip replacement, is a surgical procedure used to treat certain femoral neck fractures in which the femoral head is removed and replaced. The term "hemi" emphasizes that the artificial femoral head interacts with the existing acetabulum. Hemiarthroplasty is preferred for the surgical intervention of displaced subcapital neck fractures that present a significant risk of avascular necrosis of the femoral head, classified as Garden III and IV fractures.

• Hip Resurfacing

Hip resurfacing surgery, referred to as hip resurfacing arthroplasty, is a procedure that replaces the surface of the ball and socket joint of the hip with metal components. This method maintains a significantly greater amount of natural bone compared to total hip replacement, making it a preferable choice for younger individuals who wish to avoid total hip replacement for as long as they can.

What are the Benefits of Hip Replacement Surgery?

Numerous people experiencing hip pain may stop participating in the activities they previously found enjoyable. Many of such people have a new lease on life after hip surgery since they can now resume activities like walking, swimming, cycling, and golf. Here are a few of such benefits.

Pain Relief

Hip pain relief through surgery is the primary and most obvious benefit. Many people report that their pain levels have dramatically decreased. Some even call the shift "life-altering." Chronic hip pain can be extremely painful and felt all day, at work, during leisure activities, and even while you sleep at night. Most patients who have undergone the surgery report that their ongoing pain is either reduced or has disappeared completely after they recover. The recovery takes around 3-6 weeks, and most individuals can return to their activities in 6-12 weeks. 

Improved Mobility and Range of Movement

Increased range of motion and mobility are the two primary benefits of hip replacement. Most people have a lot of trouble walking, climbing stairs, or even getting out of a chair before having surgery. Even simple tasks can become difficult due to the hip joint's stiffness and discomfort. However, patients can experience improved mobility in their lives after hip replacement surgery.

Enhanced Quality of Life

Your life can be profoundly impacted by chronic pain and reduced movement, which can affect social interactions, mental health, and sleep quality. Many patients say they feel like they have a fresh lease of life after recovering from hip replacement surgery. They can participate in their hobbies and social activities and work more efficiently. 

Long-lasting Results

The outcomes of hip replacement surgery are long-lasting, which is one of its most reassuring benefits. Research suggests that 95% of modern hip replacements survive at least 10 years, with 85% of them lasting 15 to 20 years and slightly more than half lasting 25 years or longer. It also means that a minimally invasive hip replacement can provide many patients with long-lasting, effective relief, particularly those who are older at the time of the procedure.

Better Sleep

Finding a comfortable sleeping position is difficult for many people with severe hip problems, and they frequently wake up multiple times during the night from the pain. Most people indicate that their sleep quality has significantly improved after hip replacement surgery and the initial phase of recovery. You can arrange yourself more comfortably and sleep undisturbed for longer when the pain is reduced.

Get Long-Term Benefits from Hip Replacement Surgery with Care!

Hip replacement surgery is an effective treatment option for those suffering from chronic hip pain and limited mobility. The benefits of this surgery range from significant pain reduction and increased range of motion to a new degree of independence, physical activity, and quality of life.

Although a hip replacement has many benefits, you must keep in mind that it is a major surgery. You need to consult a skilled orthopedic specialist before you decide to have hip replacement surgery. They will provide you with guidance on the basis of your unique situation. So, book an appointment with Apollo Spectra today or call us directly, and we will help you discover the proper orthopaedic doctor to discuss your options and the potential benefits of the operation.