TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT (THR)

OVERVIEW

During a total hip replacement, the diseased bone and cartilage in the hip joint are removed and replaced with artificial parts. The hip joint, which connects the acetabulum of the pelvis to the femur of the thigh bone, is one of the biggest weight-bearing joints in the body. It is a ball-and-socket joint, with the pelvic acetabulum serving as the socket and the femoral head as the ball. The smooth articular cartilage that covers the joint surface serves as a cushion and promotes easy joint mobility.

 

The articular cartilage may become damaged due to a variety of illnesses and ailments. To address the severe arthritis pain that restricts your everyday activities, total hip replacement surgery is a possibility.

 

Joint inflammation, or arthritis, causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and restricted mobility. Chronic hip discomfort and impairment are frequently brought on by hip arthritis. The following are the top three kinds of arthritis that affect the hip:

 

Osteoarthritis: This condition is characterised by the gradual loss of joint cartilage. Hip discomfort results from the bone ends rubbing against one another when the protecting cartilage deteriorates. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the synovium, the tissue lining the joint, inflames and produces an excessive amount of synovial fluid. This results in cartilage loss, which causes discomfort and stiffness.

 

Traumatic arthritis: This kind of arthritis develops after a hip fracture or accident. Over time, hip discomfort and stiffness can result from such accidents, which can damage the cartilage.

SYMPTOMS

Hip arthritis' most prevalent symptom is joint stiffness and discomfort that limits range of motion. Vigorous exercise may make the discomfort and stiffness worse, which might result in limping.

DIAGNOSIS

A diagnosis is determined after considering the patient's medical history, physical exam, and X-rays.

SURGICAL PROCEDURE

If less invasive treatments like anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy are ineffective, surgery could be advised.

 

The procedure is carried out while the patient is unconscious. The femur is detached from the acetabulum during the treatment, which also involves making a surgical incision above the hip to expose the hip joint. A reamer is used to clean the socket's surface and remove any arthritic or diseased bone. Usually screws or bone cement are used to place the acetabular component into the socket. The inside of the acetabular component is lined with a piece of plastic, ceramic, or metal. In order to perfectly fit the new metal femoral component, the arthritic bone is then removed from the femur, or thigh bone, using specialised tools. The femoral component is subsequently attached to the femur using bone cement or a press fit. The metal or ceramic femoral head component is then attached to the femoral stem. Special cement is used to firmly anchor all of the new components. After the incision is closed, the muscles and tendons around the new joint are healed.

POST-OPERATIVE CARE

You must exercise extra caution after a total hip replacement to prevent the new joint from dislocating and to guarantee normal healing. Common safety measures to be followed include:

  • Avoid bending your hip and turning your foot inward at the same time.
  • For six weeks, sleep with a cushion between your legs.
  • Never bend your hips past a straight angle (90) while crossing your legs.
  • Stay away from low chairs.
  • Avoid leaning over to pick things up; instead, use a grabber.
  • Utilise a raised toilet seat.

RISKS

Total hip replacement surgery carries some possible risks and consequences, just like any major surgical operation. The following issues might arise with a complete hip replacement:

  • Infection
  • Dislocation
  • The femur or pelvic breaking
  • Damage to blood vessels or nerves
  • Blood clots developing in the leg veins
  • Differences in leg length
  • Hip prostheses could deteriorate
  • Lack of pain relief
  • Development of scars
  • Pressure sores

One of the most effective orthopaedic treatments for people with hip arthritis is total hip replacement. This operation can enhance your quality of life by reducing discomfort, restoring function, and enhancing your motions at work and play.

THR at B.P. Poddar Hospital

We are routinely conducting THR surgeries at our Hospital. Dedicated joint replacement specialists, stringent, three-pronged infection control and a dedicated Physiotherapy department ensures higher success rate over the long run. In terms of the financial aspects, apart from cash, we are accepting all major Insurance, TPA and Corporates.

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