Hip Joint Replacement

Orthopedic

If you’re looking for a solution to relieve constant hip pain and rediscover the joy of unrestricted movement, look no further than Hip Joint Replacement surgery.

The hip is a so-called ball and socket joint and one of the largest joints in the human body. It has the task of transferring the body weight evenly to the legs and at the same time stabilizing the upper body. Since it is a ball and socket joint, movements in different directions are possible.

The hip joint replacement consists of the acetabulum, which is part of the pelvic bone, and the so-called femoral head, which forms the upper end of the thigh-bone. Both the acetabulum and the femoral head are covered by a layer of cartilage. Between them is synovial fluid that slides and reduces friction.

Osteoarthritis is considered one of the most common diseases of the hip. In this process, the cartilage layer wears away, and pain occurs during movements. Hip osteoarthritis usually occurs between the ages of 50 and 60, but can also become noticeable at a younger age. The causes vary, but triggers for hip osteoarthritis include sports with a lot of stop-and-go movements, rheumatic diseases, hereditary predisposition or metabolic diseases.

Depending on the individual situation or pain sensitivity as well as restrictions in everyday life, an artificial hip joint may be considered. The doctor will first make sure that all classical treatment methods have been exhausted before performing an orthopedic surgical procedure.

The hip surgery, which takes about 1-1.5 hours, can be performed under either spinal or general anesthesia. Together with your doctor, you will decide what is best for you.

A distinction is made between the classic hip surgery, in which an incision of about 15 cm is made in the thigh. In this case, muscles are also cut, which are then sewn back together. This prolongs the rehabilitation period for the patient.

In the minimally invasive surgical method, the incision is much smaller and no muscles are cut, only pushed to the side. This procedure requires special instruments and great experience of the surgeon.

In both cases, the surgery involves removing the damaged bones and replacing the femoral head and acetabulum with artificial ones. After the function of the new hip joint is tested, the operation is completed.

The durability of an artificial hip joint is about 15–20 years. Often the prosthesis then loosens, and no longer has a firm hold in the bone. This becomes noticeable through pain. In such cases, the artificial hip joint must be replaced.

After a few days in hospital, patients are discharged. Now the rehabilitation phase begins, which lasts about 3–5 weeks. The musculoskeletal system is to be strengthened by building up muscles and the patient learns to walk again without crutches. In most cases, physiotherapy is then prescribed to round out the treatment.

After about 2 to 3 months, you can return to work, focusing on light physical or sedentary activities. Regular standing or walking on scaffolds and ladders has been shown to be unfavorable for an artificial hip joint.
In Germany, about 200,000 artificial hip joints are implanted each year. About three quarters of patients undergo surgery due to osteoarthritis.

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FAQ

What’s hip replacement?

Hip replacement is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or diseased hip joint with an artificial joint to relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance the overall quality of life.

Which hip replacement is best?

The choice of the best hip replacement technique is typically determined by the surgeon based on their experience, patient-specific factors, and the goals of the surgery. Each approach has its advantages and considerations. For example, the anterior approach may offer potential benefits such as quicker recovery and reduced muscle damage, while the posterior approach is a more widely used and established technique.

How hip replacement is done?

Hip replacement surgery, also known as hip arthroplasty, is a procedure performed by an orthopedic surgeon to replace a damaged or diseased hip joint with an artificial joint. The surgery begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure the patient’s comfort throughout the procedure. An incision is made on the side or back of the hip, providing access to the hip joint. The surgeon carefully removes the damaged bone and cartilage, including the femoral head and the damaged socket. Then, the artificial joint components are placed, which typically include a prosthetic socket and a metal stem with a ball-shaped component. The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and drainage tubes may be inserted. After the surgery, the patient undergoes a recovery period in the hospital and engages in physical therapy and rehabilitation to facilitate healing, regain strength, and improve mobility. While specific techniques and variations exist, hip replacement surgery aims to alleviate pain, improve hip joint function, and enhance the patient’s overall quality of life. Consulting with an orthopedic surgeon will provide a more detailed understanding of the procedure and its individual considerations.