If you’re experiencing difficulties walking or excruciating pain in your waist or hip area, your hip joint might need attention. These are some of the most commonly experienced symptoms of hip joint decay.
Luckily, medical advancement and cutting-edge operations can repair damaged joints: orthopedic surgeries like hip replacements are safe, advanced procedures that can help you regain the ability to walk freely, without any pain.
In this article, we’re going to briefly discuss how hip replacement surgery works as well as give you a few tips for a smooth recovery
What is hip replacement surgery?
Hip replacement surgery, also known as hip arthroscopy or hip endoprosthesis implantation, is a surgical procedure that involves replacing your hip joint with a prosthesis made from hard-wearing materials.
The procedure starts with the administration of a general anesthetic. This means that you will be in a deep sleep throughout the surgery. Then, the surgeon will make a large incision on the side of your hip and expose your hip joint by moving the muscles towards the top of the thigh bone.
At this point, the ball of the joint is removed and the hip prosthesis is inserted in its place. The surgeon will smooth the surface, reattach the muscles and close the incision. Should there be any fluid buildup, a drainage tube may be used to drain away any excess fluid
How long is the recovery after a hip replacement?
First and foremost, it is important to consider that hip replacement is major surgery and as such, recovery can be intense and long. The good news is, pain relief comes as soon as the new hip joint is placed. Recovery is all about adjusting to the prosthetic and slowly getting back to walking.
After surgery, you’ll probably feel some pain but you’ll get medicine to help. You might also receive blood thinners to prevent clots as you won’t be able to move much yet.
The day after surgery, you will be encouraged to do little movements, like standing or starting to walk. A physiotherapist will support you with this. For the following 2-3 days, you’ll be doing more exercise and walking around with crutches.
If everything goes well, you can leave the hospital after 2-3 days and will continue physical rehabilitation from home. Physiotherapy is a crucial part of recovery so make sure that you follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
The whole rehabilitation process after a hip replacement surgery might take 2-3 months, so make sure you have practical and emotional support during this time.
What should you look out for when recovering from a hip replacement surgery?
There are a few things that are important to remember after a hip replacement. Here are 3 tips on what to look out for after surgery:
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Expect to be off your feet for several days
A hip replacement is a relatively routine surgery today, but it’s also a very invasive procedure. While you’ll be encouraged to move almost immediately after surgery, consider that you won’t be able to move much for the first few days. Also, you won’t be able to drive for 3-6 weeks, so make sure that you have help lined up like rides or errands.
KCM offers pickups and dropoffs from and to the airport, so you can rest assured that traveling runs as seamlessly as possible.
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Hard work is part of a successful recovery
The road to recovery after a hip replacement surgery is long, and a degree of hard work from your end is necessary to ensure it is successful and quick.
Physiotherapy plays a major role in the rehabilitation process and you will plan regular appointments with a physiotherapist to make specific exercises that will help you gently mobilize your new hip joint. You will see that it is a slow process, and that mobility will grow over months. Always make sure that you follow the instructions of your doctor and physiotherapist carefully – your hard work will pay off!
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The entire process might take up to one year
Most patients regain full mobility after 2-3 months after surgery. However, in some cases, the whole process from consultations, pre-op preparation to full recovery might take up to one year. Make sure you have the support you need, especially during the first few weeks after surgery.
Despite being a long and intense procedure, your new joint will provide pain relief and increased mobility, and all your efforts will be repaid.
Hip replacement abroad
After having looked at hip replacement surgery, the procedure, and the recovery time, you might wonder if it’s worth having surgery abroad and how it works. Let us clear up your doubts!
We all know that waitlists for hip replacement surgery in countries such as the UK are very long and we understand that patients can hardly wait a long time before getting surgery. Wait for lists at KCM are virtually non-existent and we’ll do our very best to accommodate you on the date you desire.
Costs for a hip replacement surgery can be exorbitant in other countries, such as the US, but we’re able to provide you with much more affordable rates without compromising on the high-quality standards that characterize us. You can have a look at our orthopedic prices here. You will see that we offer different types of joint prostheses. One of our doctors will be able to advise you on what type of prosthesis best works in your case.
Besides having convenient prices and free appointments available, having a hip replacement abroad is made easier by our facility as we offer airport pickups and dropoffs to help you with travel arrangements. From pre-op consultations to post-op guidelines and recovery, rest assured that you are in the hands of experienced professionals.
If you’re looking for any further information on travel itinerary, costs, and how we can best assist you, feel free to get in touch with us anytime – we’re here to help.
