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Hip prosthesis – prosthesis of the hip joint – hip joint replacement

If you have a lot of pain in your hip joint, after consultation and diagnosis, your doctor may recommend a procedure called a hip replacement. Hip endoprosthetic surgery has been a common and effective operation for years, which allows the ailments to subside and return to health. It consists in replacing the hip joint with an artificial joint – the so-called hip prosthesis, thanks to which you can move around more easily and without pain again. Recovery from a hip replacement, however, takes time and there are many rules that must be followed to ensure your safety and speedy recovery. This intervention not only facilitates pain-free mobility but also entails a recovery journey governed by specific rules for your safety and swift recuperation.

At KCM Clinic, we offer a wide range of hip replacement implants, depending on the advancement of the disease, as well as individually tailored to the needs and expectations of the patient, world leaders in the production of hip prosthesis, such as Johnson & Johnson DePuy Synthes USA Co., Zimmer Biomet Co. US, Stryker Co. USA, LimaCo. Switzerland.

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What is a hip?

Your hip is a ball joint that connects the head of the femur to the pelvic socket and is stabilized by ligaments, tendons, and muscles. This highly flexible joint permits multidirectional movements, encompassing backward, forward, sideways, and twisting motions.

What is a Hip Replacement Surgery(hip prosthesis)?

Hip replacement, or hip arthroplasty, involves substituting the hip joint or a part thereof with an artificial implant, a prosthesis. Typically reserved for adults with advanced joint disease impeding daily life despite alternative treatments, this surgical intervention becomes necessary after avenues such as medications, physical therapy, and weight loss have been exhausted.

There are two main types of hip replacement:

1. Total hip replacement (the most common type):

The more prevalent form encompasses the entire hip joint, incorporating the femoral head and acetabulum with an endoprosthesis.

2. Partial hip replacement:

Tailored for specific fractures involving the hip, this involves a partial replacement with only a femoral head prosthesis.

What symptoms may indicate that it is necessary to replace the hip joint – hip prosthesis?

Some of the following symptoms may be due to joint conditions that are treated with a hip replacement:

  • pain in the front part of the hip or in the groin, pain in the area of ​​the buttock and trochanter,
  • hip pain occurring during activity as well as at rest,
  • hip pain that worsens when you put weight on the lower limb,
  • stiffness of the hip joint, limitation of mobility in the joint,
  • difficulty walking everyday, difficulty putting on shoes and socks
  • night rest pain, difficulty falling asleep

What is the indication for a hip prosthesis?

The most common indications for hip replacement (hip arthroplasty) are the following joint diseases:

  • osteoarthritis of the hip joints (coxarthrosis),
  • chronic inflammation of the joints (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis),
  • femoroacetabular conflict,
  • injuries, such as a hip fracture or sprain
  • developmental dysplasia of the hip joint,
  • avascular necrosis of the bone.

When is hip replacement surgery not indicated?

Hip replacement surgery is not the best solution for everyone. Sometimes, even in patients suffering from pain and with severe mobility problems, surgery may be contraindicated.

Contraindications to the procedure may include: severe obesity, anemia, significant cardiac diseases, such as heart failure, recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina, anemia, active infection, irreversible or permanent muscle weakness, paraplegia, quadriplegia.

Why Would You Need a Hip Replacement?

Persistent hip joint pain might necessitate the transformative procedure of hip replacement. This surgical marvel, standing the test of time, brings respite and restoration of health by replacing the ailing hip joint with an artificial counterpart – the revered hip prosthesis.

Is Hip Replacement Surgery Right for You?

Assessing the suitability of hip replacement involves considering its indications. Common joint diseases prompting hip replacement include osteoarthritis, chronic inflammation, femoroacetabular conflict, injuries like fractures or sprains, developmental dysplasia, and avascular necrosis.

Recovering From Hip Replacement Surgery

Post-surgery, recovery is a journey that demands adherence to guidelines. At KCM Clinic, we emphasize the importance of following these rules for safety and a speedy recovery. The recovery process entails time and effort, with the goal of restoring pain-free mobility.

Lifetime Precautions After Hip Replacement Surgery

A hip replacement grants a new lease on life, but it comes with lifetime precautions. Understanding and adhering to these precautions is vital for ensuring the longevity and efficacy of the prosthetic joint. Our commitment at KCM Clinic extends beyond surgery to comprehensive post-operative care and guidance.

Risks and Complications of Hip Replacement Surgery

While hip replacement is a transformative solution, it’s essential to acknowledge potential risks and complications. Factors like severe obesity, anemia, significant cardiac issues, active infections, irreversible muscle weakness, and paralysis may limit the viability of hip replacement.

What is a hip prosthesis made of?

The hip prosthesis is made of metal and plastic, the most common materials being titanium, stainless steel, cobalt-chrome, ceramics and polyethylene. The total hip replacement prosthesis consists of four components: femoral stem, femoral head, acetabular insert, and acetabular shell.

What are the benefits of a hip replacement?

The biggest benefit and main reason for hip replacement surgery is pain relief.

Other benefits include:

  • freedom of gait, the ability to walk, climb stairs and lead an active lifestyle,
  • enhanced strength and improved coordination
  • restoring the comfort of life, returning to sports

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    Technology preview:

    Hip Animation from Zimmer Biomet

    Total Hip Replacement

    Interviews with former patients:

    Total Hip Replacement

    Hip Animation from Zimmer Biomet

    Bilateral Hip Replacement

    About the Procedure

    Endoprosthesis implantation, the main indication of which is pain relief, is a commonly performed operation for the degeneration of the hip joint. The procedure is performed in the case of degeneration of joints and articular cartilage, so it is most often performed in the elderly. However, this does not mean that young people are not exposed to such damage.

    Endoprosthesoplasty consists of removing the diseased tissue and implanting an endoprosthesis in its place, which takes over the functions of the damaged structure. By eliminating pain, an implanted implant allows you to restore lost joint functions and perform basic movements such as walking or lifting heavier objects.

    There are several types of implants, we most often choose them depending on the patient’s age. Younger ones have cementless prostheses implanted due to their longer life. It is placed on the bone by pressing or screwing.

    Hip replacement is a major surgery, but you can rest assured that you are in the hands of experienced professionals. 

    Interested in Hip Replacement Surgery? Contact us directly for more information. Help us help you get your life back.

    Hip Replacement Surgery – Preparations

    The doctor who will perform the hip replacement qualifies the patient for the procedure. In addition to the clinical examination, the attending physician requires a diagnostic ultrasound of the joint or MRI. It is often necessary to perform an X-ray of the joint. After consultation and agreeing with the patient on the type and indications for surgery, the date of the hip replacement surgery is set.

    Recovery After Hip Replacement

    For the first few days, the patient receives painkillers and anticoagulants. It is very important to follow the recommendations of the attending physician. Already from the first day after the procedure, the patient begins the process of rehabilitation. After leaving the hospital, the patient should walk with orthopaedic crutches and continue exercising under the supervision of a physiotherapist.

    After the procedure, it is recommended to conserve and prevent overload of the operated hip joint. Of course, rehabilitation is necessary to allow the body to regain its full fitness, which usually takes about 2-3 months.

    Once the rehabilitation after your hip replacement is complete, daily activities should become more comfortable and the quality of life should improve.

    How long is the hospital stay?

    Most people need to stay in the hospital for 2 days after surgery.


    What Happens During a Hip Replacement?

    The implantation of a hip prosthesis involves replacing the hip joint or part of it with an artificial implant (prosthesis). This operation is performed in adults when joint disease is advanced and interferes with everyday life after other methods have failed.


    How should I prepare for hip replacement surgery?

    In order to prepare for surgery, you should make an appointment for a series of diagnostic tests and consultations in order to qualify not only for the procedure but also for anesthesia.

    Standard tests include laboratory tests, ECGs, and x-rays of the hips and pelvis to assess the condition and structure of the hip joint. Sometimes advanced imaging tests (MRI or CT scan) are needed to help make a diagnosis or plan treatment. Depending on your age and medical history, you may need to consult a specialist cardiologist and additional specialist tests.

    Only on the basis of the results of these tests and health history, allowing to assess the individual risk, the patient can be admitted to the procedure.


    What steps should be taken to ensure an easier and safer recovery after hip surgery?

    The most important thing is to ensure the help of an accompanying person for the first period after the operation.

    If you smoke, it is important to stop smoking as smoking increases the risk after surgery and impairs recovery.

    If you are obese, you need to lose weight, which is sometimes necessary to qualify for surgery.

    In some cases, in obese people with a BMI > 40, a visit to the Bariatric Clinic and prior bariatric surgery are necessary, if weight loss attempts have been unsuccessful.

    Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.


    How to prepare before the procedure to return home after the operation?

    Remember: remove loose rugs as they can be dangerous when walking around the house, check that electrical cables are not loose on the floor, tape them if necessary, stock up on food and cosmetics before surgery, prepare a bedroom on the ground floor if possible or make sure you only have to take the stairs once a day.


    What rehabilitation equipment can be helpful after hip surgery?

    Special rehabilitation equipment can help ensure an easier recovery from endoprosthesis surgery. Your physiotherapists will advise you on what equipment and where to buy it.

    Helpful equipment may include:

    raised toilet seats, shower seats, handrails, gripper for putting on socks and shoes.


    Should you take your normal medications before surgery?

    Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, both over-the-counter and prescription. Some medications should be discontinued or reduced. It is important that drugs such as aspirin and drugs that thin the blood and thus increase bleeding, after consulting a doctor, should be discontinued or changed to others. For these reasons, you may need to stop taking certain medications before your hip replacement surgery. If you are taking aspirin or aspirin-based arthritis medications, these medications should be stopped 7-10 days before surgery, but subcutaneous heparin injections are sometimes necessary instead – ask your specialist.

    If you are taking medications for other health problems, do not stop taking them without consulting your doctor and be sure to provide the doctor with a list of all medications you take, their doses and how often you take them, including herbal supplements and vitamins.

    What medications are prescribed for hip replacement surgery?

    Doctors will give you prophylactic antibiotics perioperatively to prevent infection, painkillers and as part of thromboprophylaxis – heparin.


    What anesthesia is used for the endoprosthesis procedure?

    The anesthetist will meet you before the operation and explain the different types of anesthesia available to you and the risks and benefits of each for your individual case. Most often, the procedure is performed under spinal or regional anesthesia, sometimes under general anesthesia.


    When does rehabilitation after surgery begin?

    After the procedure, daily physiotherapy according to the physiotherapist’s instructions is necessary.

    Rehabilitation and physiotherapy begin immediately after the procedure and last throughout the stay in the hospital and for up to 1 year after the procedure. Your physical therapist will give you guidance on what exercises to do in the hospital and at home, and will monitor your leg and hip strength and flexibility, as well as your ability to stand, sit, and walk.

    The physiotherapist will also instruct you on precautions regarding hip movement and any limitations in the range of motion in the postoperative period and beyond. It is recommended that you continue exercising for the period indicated by your physiotherapist and doctor to ensure greater mobility and easier recovery from hip replacement surgery.

    Should I exercise before hip replacement surgery?

    It is important to perform strengthening and conditioning exercises before surgery to strengthen the muscles and thus ensure a better outcome of the surgery, faster progress in rehabilitation and faster recovery.

    How long does hip surgery take?

    The hip replacement surgery usually takes up to 1 hour.


    How long is the recovery period after the procedure?

    The ultimate success of hip replacement surgery and the length of recovery time are influenced by many variables, including the condition of your muscles before surgery, other medical conditions, and your overall health. Remember that your involvement in the rehabilitation program and physiotherapy exercises is a very important part of the recovery process.


    When can I drive after hip surgery?

    Remember – do not drive a car for several weeks after the procedure. You can only drive a car when you have good strength and control of your legs, you feel comfortable sitting in the car and you are not taking strong painkillers that can impair your reaction as a driver. Ask your doctor when you can resume driving.


    How to walk safely after hip surgery?

    After surgery you will need to use crutches or a walker, your physiotherapist will instruct you on everything. Your doctor and physiotherapist will decide when you can put weight on your leg after surgery, the physiotherapist will teach you how to climb and descend stairs properly with handrails and/or crutches.

    When walking, we put the healthy leg first, then the crutch and the operated leg. When going down the stairs, the crutches and the operated leg move first, and then the healthy leg.


    Can I play sports after hip replacement? What sport is not recommended after hip replacement?

    Once you have recovered from surgery and with your doctor’s approval, you can resume low-impact sports such as walking, cycling, swimming, while high-intensity sports such as running are generally not recommended. Remember to discuss your expectations with the surgeon and physiotherapist before the operation.

    About the procedure

    About the Procedure

    Endoprosthesis implantation, the main indication of which is pain relief, is a commonly performed operation for the degeneration of the hip joint. The procedure is performed in the case of degeneration of joints and articular cartilage, so it is most often performed in the elderly. However, this does not mean that young people are not exposed to such damage.

    Endoprosthesoplasty consists of removing the diseased tissue and implanting an endoprosthesis in its place, which takes over the functions of the damaged structure. By eliminating pain, an implanted implant allows you to restore lost joint functions and perform basic movements such as walking or lifting heavier objects.

    There are several types of implants, we most often choose them depending on the patient’s age. Younger ones have cementless prostheses implanted due to their longer life. It is placed on the bone by pressing or screwing.

    Hip replacement is a major surgery, but you can rest assured that you are in the hands of experienced professionals. 

    Interested in Hip Replacement Surgery? Contact us directly for more information. Help us help you get your life back.

    Preparation

    Hip Replacement Surgery – Preparations

    The doctor who will perform the hip replacement qualifies the patient for the procedure. In addition to the clinical examination, the attending physician requires a diagnostic ultrasound of the joint or MRI. It is often necessary to perform an X-ray of the joint. After consultation and agreeing with the patient on the type and indications for surgery, the date of the hip replacement surgery is set.

    Convalescence

    Recovery After Hip Replacement

    For the first few days, the patient receives painkillers and anticoagulants. It is very important to follow the recommendations of the attending physician. Already from the first day after the procedure, the patient begins the process of rehabilitation. After leaving the hospital, the patient should walk with orthopaedic crutches and continue exercising under the supervision of a physiotherapist.

    Precautions

    After the procedure, it is recommended to conserve and prevent overload of the operated hip joint. Of course, rehabilitation is necessary to allow the body to regain its full fitness, which usually takes about 2-3 months.

    Once the rehabilitation after your hip replacement is complete, daily activities should become more comfortable and the quality of life should improve.

    FAQ

    How long is the hospital stay?

    Most people need to stay in the hospital for 2 days after surgery.


    What Happens During a Hip Replacement?

    The implantation of a hip prosthesis involves replacing the hip joint or part of it with an artificial implant (prosthesis). This operation is performed in adults when joint disease is advanced and interferes with everyday life after other methods have failed.


    How should I prepare for hip replacement surgery?

    In order to prepare for surgery, you should make an appointment for a series of diagnostic tests and consultations in order to qualify not only for the procedure but also for anesthesia.

    Standard tests include laboratory tests, ECGs, and x-rays of the hips and pelvis to assess the condition and structure of the hip joint. Sometimes advanced imaging tests (MRI or CT scan) are needed to help make a diagnosis or plan treatment. Depending on your age and medical history, you may need to consult a specialist cardiologist and additional specialist tests.

    Only on the basis of the results of these tests and health history, allowing to assess the individual risk, the patient can be admitted to the procedure.


    What steps should be taken to ensure an easier and safer recovery after hip surgery?

    The most important thing is to ensure the help of an accompanying person for the first period after the operation.

    If you smoke, it is important to stop smoking as smoking increases the risk after surgery and impairs recovery.

    If you are obese, you need to lose weight, which is sometimes necessary to qualify for surgery.

    In some cases, in obese people with a BMI > 40, a visit to the Bariatric Clinic and prior bariatric surgery are necessary, if weight loss attempts have been unsuccessful.

    Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.


    How to prepare before the procedure to return home after the operation?

    Remember: remove loose rugs as they can be dangerous when walking around the house, check that electrical cables are not loose on the floor, tape them if necessary, stock up on food and cosmetics before surgery, prepare a bedroom on the ground floor if possible or make sure you only have to take the stairs once a day.


    What rehabilitation equipment can be helpful after hip surgery?

    Special rehabilitation equipment can help ensure an easier recovery from endoprosthesis surgery. Your physiotherapists will advise you on what equipment and where to buy it.

    Helpful equipment may include:

    raised toilet seats, shower seats, handrails, gripper for putting on socks and shoes.


    Should you take your normal medications before surgery?

    Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, both over-the-counter and prescription. Some medications should be discontinued or reduced. It is important that drugs such as aspirin and drugs that thin the blood and thus increase bleeding, after consulting a doctor, should be discontinued or changed to others. For these reasons, you may need to stop taking certain medications before your hip replacement surgery. If you are taking aspirin or aspirin-based arthritis medications, these medications should be stopped 7-10 days before surgery, but subcutaneous heparin injections are sometimes necessary instead – ask your specialist.

    If you are taking medications for other health problems, do not stop taking them without consulting your doctor and be sure to provide the doctor with a list of all medications you take, their doses and how often you take them, including herbal supplements and vitamins.

    What medications are prescribed for hip replacement surgery?

    Doctors will give you prophylactic antibiotics perioperatively to prevent infection, painkillers and as part of thromboprophylaxis – heparin.


    What anesthesia is used for the endoprosthesis procedure?

    The anesthetist will meet you before the operation and explain the different types of anesthesia available to you and the risks and benefits of each for your individual case. Most often, the procedure is performed under spinal or regional anesthesia, sometimes under general anesthesia.


    When does rehabilitation after surgery begin?

    After the procedure, daily physiotherapy according to the physiotherapist’s instructions is necessary.

    Rehabilitation and physiotherapy begin immediately after the procedure and last throughout the stay in the hospital and for up to 1 year after the procedure. Your physical therapist will give you guidance on what exercises to do in the hospital and at home, and will monitor your leg and hip strength and flexibility, as well as your ability to stand, sit, and walk.

    The physiotherapist will also instruct you on precautions regarding hip movement and any limitations in the range of motion in the postoperative period and beyond. It is recommended that you continue exercising for the period indicated by your physiotherapist and doctor to ensure greater mobility and easier recovery from hip replacement surgery.

    Should I exercise before hip replacement surgery?

    It is important to perform strengthening and conditioning exercises before surgery to strengthen the muscles and thus ensure a better outcome of the surgery, faster progress in rehabilitation and faster recovery.

    How long does hip surgery take?

    The hip replacement surgery usually takes up to 1 hour.


    How long is the recovery period after the procedure?

    The ultimate success of hip replacement surgery and the length of recovery time are influenced by many variables, including the condition of your muscles before surgery, other medical conditions, and your overall health. Remember that your involvement in the rehabilitation program and physiotherapy exercises is a very important part of the recovery process.


    When can I drive after hip surgery?

    Remember – do not drive a car for several weeks after the procedure. You can only drive a car when you have good strength and control of your legs, you feel comfortable sitting in the car and you are not taking strong painkillers that can impair your reaction as a driver. Ask your doctor when you can resume driving.


    How to walk safely after hip surgery?

    After surgery you will need to use crutches or a walker, your physiotherapist will instruct you on everything. Your doctor and physiotherapist will decide when you can put weight on your leg after surgery, the physiotherapist will teach you how to climb and descend stairs properly with handrails and/or crutches.

    When walking, we put the healthy leg first, then the crutch and the operated leg. When going down the stairs, the crutches and the operated leg move first, and then the healthy leg.


    Can I play sports after hip replacement? What sport is not recommended after hip replacement?

    Once you have recovered from surgery and with your doctor’s approval, you can resume low-impact sports such as walking, cycling, swimming, while high-intensity sports such as running are generally not recommended. Remember to discuss your expectations with the surgeon and physiotherapist before the operation.

    Contact the coordinator
    +48 75 645 2022

    Leave us a message
    orthopedics@kcmclinic.com

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