Learn the details of the hip replacement procedure

The hip prosthesis is applied in two types of cases, mainly: elderly patients with fracture or patients with arthritic or arthritic disease. The intervention, performed by an expert surgeon to minimize risks, will allow the patient improved mobility and a better quality of life.

When a hip prosthesis is necessary and types of prostheses

There are two types of hip prostheses, partial and total. Partial prostheses, which replace only the head of the femur, are generally used after some type of hip fracture in older people.

Total hip prostheses, on the other hand, are used after a deformity has occurred in the hip joint due to arthritic, arthritic or dysplastic disease and causes the patient pain and difficulty in mobility or gait, significantly altering his quality of life.

As it is an irreversible procedure, the indication must be made by an expert surgeon in traumatology and hip.

Hip replacement surgery: what it consists of

The operation is generally performed under spinal anesthesia. By means of a small incision to reach the hip joint, respecting the musculature and its innervation, the deformed joint is resected and carved. Subsequently, it is replaced by an implant of a design and material appropriate to the age, size of the patient’s skeleton and surgeon’s preferences.

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Possible risks of hip prosthesis intervention

The risks of this procedure, like any other, must be foreseen and communicated to the patient prior to surgery, verbally and by means of informed consent.

One of the most feared risks is infection, so that, in some cases, it is necessary to replace the implant. For this reason, it is necessary to use low aggressive techniques, sterile environment, adequate disinfection of the surgical site, regular antibiotherapy and a trained surgical team, so that the procedure is performed in a reasonable time.

Recovery and follow-up of the hip prosthesis operated patient

Currently, efforts are being made to reduce hospitalization and recovery to a minimum (Fast-track process). By controlling bleeding and early mobilization, in general, in 4 or 5 days, the patient is usually discharged, walking with the help of two crutches.

Follow-up is done through successive visits to assess wound healing, gait adaptation and thromboembolic prophylaxis by means of subcutaneous heparin and early mobilization.

Possibility of doing the same activity after the hip prosthesis operation.

The hip prosthesis provides patients with better quality of life, less pain and more mobility than in the previous situation, with their joint disease. They have the logical limitations of an implant that could wear out prematurely, if used inappropriately.