A hip operation, or hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or worn out hip joint with an artificial one.
The procedure is typically performed on individuals who have severe hip pain and limited mobility due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a hip injury.
The key steps of a hip operation include:
- Pre-operative preparation: Before the surgery, the patient will undergo a thorough medical examination and may need to take certain medications or stop taking others. They will also be informed of the risks and benefits of the surgery.
- Anaesthesia: The patient will be given general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia to ensure they are asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
- Incision: The surgeon will make an incision over the hip and prepare the joint by removing damaged cartilage and bone.
- Implantation: The new artificial joint will be inserted into the hip and positioned correctly. This may be a total hip replacement or a partial hip replacement.
- Closure: The incision will be closed with sutures or staples, and a drain may be placed to prevent blood or fluid from building up.
- Post-operative care: After the surgery, the patient will be taken to a recovery room and will be monitored for any complications. They will be given pain medication and will be taught exercises to regain strength and mobility in their hip. Physical therapy will be also important in the recovery process.
It’s important to note that recovery times can vary depending on the individual, the type of surgery and the overall health condition of the patient, also the type of implant used and the surgical technique can also affect the recovery time.
