What is hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is performed on patients who experience pain, limitation of movement and decreased quality of life due to damage or wear on the hip joint. Damaged or worn hip joint It is a surgery in which the joint is replaced with an artificial prosthetic joint. Hip replacement surgery is performed to eliminate pain, improve quality of life and regain mobility. This surgery is one of the most commonly performed and successful procedures in modern orthopedics.

Who can undergo hip replacement surgery?

Before hip replacement surgery, patients require a detailed physical examination, radiological examinations and evaluation of their general health status. In addition, patients should receive detailed information about the risks, benefits and consequences of surgical intervention and consult with their doctors.It is appropriate to discuss these issues.

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Hip replacement surgery can seriously improve the quality of life when performed in the right patients and with the right technique. Each patient's needs and expectations from treatment are different. Therefore, the decision for surgery should be made after detailed evaluations for each patient. If the hip problem cannot be controlled with other non-surgical treatment methods (physical therapy and rehabilitation, painkillers and joint injections), hip replacement surgery is planned. In addition, the patient's restriction in climbing stairs, dressing and walking, and disruption of sleep patterns due to pain may determine the need for surgery. Hip replacement surgery is mainly performed for the following diseases:

• Joint calcification (osteoarthritis),

• Rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis,

• If serious hip fractures and joint damage have occurred in accidents and traumatic situations,

• If joint damage occurs due to abnormalities of the hip structure due to congenital diseases,

• In cases where the death of bone tissue (osteonecrosis) occurs due to impaired blood circulation in the hip bone,

• Previous surgeries performed on the hip do not yield the expected results and in case of complications.

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​How is hip replacement surgery performed?

Hip replacement surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, but waist anesthesia method (spinal or epidural) can also be used. Surgery duration varies between 1-2 hours. Hip replacement surgery is a special surgery that requires experience. Modern surgical techniques and developed prostheses provide extremely successful results and significantly increase the quality of life of patients.

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The hip joint is accessed through an incision made on the side or front of the hip. The upper part of the femur is cut and the inside is prepared for the prosthesis. The socket of the hip bone is eroded and prepared for the prosthesis. An artificial femoral head consisting of a metal component is placed on the thigh bone. The femoral head is usually assembled with a component coated with plastic, ceramic, or metal. This component is placed in the inner socket of the hip bone.

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Once the hip prosthesis is placed, the joint is moved to ensure it is functioning correctly and that the foot is the correct length. If everything is in good condition, the muscles and tissues are placed in their previous places and the surgical incision is closed.

Hospitalization period is 3-4 days in total. After surgery, patients walk with a cane on the same day or the next day. The cane is used for 2-6 weeks, depending on the patient's muscle strength.

  

Are there any risks to hip replacement surgery?

As with every surgery, hip replacement surgery has some risks. Before the surgery, the patient is subjected to necessary examinations and examinations by internal medicine, cardiology and anesthesiology physicians, and precautions are taken against any adverse events that may occur during the surgery. The main risks of hip replacement surgery are:

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• Infection: It is one of the most common and undesirable risks after hip replacement surgery. In this case, you may need to receive inpatient antibiotic treatment and additional surgeries such as washing, removing or replacing the prosthesis.

• Clot formation in the veins: Clot formation in the veins may rarely occur due to the patient's inactivity during the surgery and the operation. To prevent this, the patient is walked immediately after surgery and treatments to prevent clot formation are applied.

• Wearing or loosening of the prosthesis: This may occur in the long term after the operation and if the recommendations are not followed.

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What should be taken into consideration after hip replacement surgery?

The lifespan of hip prostheses today varies between 15-35 years. This can provide the patient with movement and function for many years. surgeryIn the next period, the following should be taken into consideration:

Toilet arrangements: European models should be preferred in the toilet. Additionally, risers should be used.

Rearrange your home: Remove unnecessary items from around your home to prevent possible accidents. Prepare a home environment where you can walk comfortably with a cane or crutches. Rearrange items such as carpets and cables that may cause you to slip and fall.

Pay attention to position: You should pay attention to posture and sitting position. It should be preferred to place a pillow between the legs while lying down. Legs should not be crossed.

Get help: Ask for help from those around you in the first weeks after the surgery and do not turn away those who want to help. You may need help when putting on shoes, socks, or using stairs.

Monitor yourself: There may be slight swelling or pain for 1-2 weeks after surgery. If extreme pain and swelling develop, inform your doctor.

Pay attention to cleanliness: After the stitches are removed, you can take a bath according to your doctor's recommendations. It is recommended to take a bath with a seat of appropriate height.

Exercise: Do your exercises to get through the surgery process early and increase the success of the surgery. Your doctor will tell you about the exercises you should do at home. Do not stop using a walker or cane before the date recommended by your doctor. Stay away from sports that pose a risk of falling and involve close contact. Get advice from your doctor to return to sports activities. Light-paced sports can be started 2 months after the surgery. Cycling and swimming are the most beneficial sports activities for you. 

Pay attention to your diet: Eat a healthy and balanced diet so that bones and muscles recover quickly. Make an effort to keep your weight within ideal limits.

Sexual life: Do not rush to return to your sexual life. Ideally, you can return to your sexual life after 4-6 weeks.

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For other questions or to be examined, contact Op. Dr. You can reach Sefa Kösem.