All You Kneed to Know About Hip Joint Replacement Surgery

Hip joint replacement is the surgical method of replacing the damaged joints of the hip with the help of the implant technique. This can be done using a plastic, metal, or alloy dome to resurface the damaged zone in the joint. 

What do you understand about the term “ Hip replacement surgery”?

Hip replacement surgery is the technical term used in a branch of medicine. It is the surgical replacement of the damaged cartilages in the joint with the help of the latest techniques and equipment. The surgery cost depends upon various factors viz. charges by hospitals, surgeons, diagnostic fees, medicine, insurance, etc. 

Various Types of Hip Joint Replacement Surgery

Based on the portion of the hip treated and restored, joint replacement surgery is broadly classified into two categories:-

1. Total hip replacement surgery
2. Partial hip replacement surgery
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Total Hip Replacement Surgery

Total hip replacement surgery is done by operating on the whole damaged part of the hip joint. This surgery takes place when there is no chance of preserving the natural hip joint, however, this comes as the last option in the minds of surgeons. Certain complications with this procedure are an increase in the concentration of ions of metal elements in the body, which are considered harmful, infection and allergy, delay in recovery of the wounds, post-surgery issues, etc. This surgery is expensive as well ranges from Rs 70,000 to Rs 8,00,000 approximately in the metropolitan region of India.

Partial Hip Replacement Surgery

Partial hip replacement surgery is the replacement of portions of only the affected zone hip region. Such zones are surgically treated the same as total hip replacement surgery but they are more complicated than total hip replacement surgery. The partial knee replacement cost Rs 1,50,000 – Rs 3,80,000. 

Causes of Hip Joint Replacement

1. 1. Injury in the hips – Hip injury due to an accident or trauma could result in a serious hip joint replacement. These injuries result in pain and mobility issues. 
2. 2. Fractures in hips- Due to excessive exercise, weight lifting, or weak bones, the chances of fractures enhance.
3. 3. Arthritis – The wear and tear of muscles cause arthritis.
4. 4. Bone dysplasias- Bone dysplasias is a genetic disorder that results in the hindrance of the growth of children. Symptoms include deformity in the bones of the head, spine, legs, etc. 
5. 5. Osteoarthritis- Osteoarthritis, is the destruction of cartilage, which plays a major role in cushioning the joints. This facilitates the movement of organs.
6. 6. Nutritional deficiency- Nutritional deficiencies of minerals and calcium could lead to deformity in the hip joint and bones.
7. 7. Rheumatoid arthritis- This is an autoimmune disorder, which results in the attacking of self cells of the body. 
8. 8. Loss of cartilage- This results in crackling sound, pain, and mobility hindrance in the hip.
9. 9. Heavy weight lifting- Weight lifting without guidance could lead to deformity in hip replacement.
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Benefits of Hip Joint Replacement

Hip joint replacement surgery has several benefits. It can help one in the following ways:-

1. 1. Reduction in severe pain- Hip joint replacement surgery helps in lightening the pain of the hip joint. 
2. 2. Mobility recovery- Hip joint replacement surgery is a panacea to many problems, it accomplishes its aim of better mobility, ache-free, and smoothness. 
3. 3. High success rate – The success rate is a game changer, the more the rate, the more it inspires others to undergo the surgery. Hip replacement surgery has a success rate of around 85%-90% approximately. This is the reason that people move ahead with treatment without much fear.
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Disadvantages of hip joint replacement 

Every treatment or surgery has both pros and cons. However keen observation and treatment should be a supreme priority. Since hip joint replacement surgery has many advantages, it has a few disadvantages as well. Some of them are listed below.  

1. 1. Not a pocket-friendly surgery– Hip replacement surgery could cost a little expensive and it can create a big hole in your pocket. Due to high technology application, management skills of surgeons, medicine cost, hospitalization charges, etc this procedure is costly. Hence it is important to choose a surgeon according to your suitability. Hip joint replacement surgery costs between Rs 1,50,000 – Rs 3,80,000 on average. But, one can see changes in rate across different regions of the country.

• 2. Natural bones substituted by artificial ones – No matter how accurately the one performs the procedure, it will always have a few sinkholes in it, as artificial components might not be as good as a natural ones. Hence it is suggested to regularly have routine checkups and visits to the doctor, to avoid any difficulty in the future.
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Doctors can treat you before major trouble crosses your path.

• 1. Variation in the length of legs – Hip joint replacement could create the problem of difference in the length of legs. This however could be improved with regular exercise and physiotherapy. Hence, focussing on therapy and post-consultation of surgeons is very crucial. Otherwise, it might create trouble. 
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Hip Joint Replacement Cost

Broadly estimated, hip joint replacement surgery could cost somewhere between Rs 1,50,000 to Rs 4,00,000 depending upon several factors enlisted below.

1. 1. Doctor’s appointment charges-  Diagnosis is the pioneering step in any treatment or surgery. So the Doctor makes sure to diagnose the hip joint damage precisely. Doctor charges for diagnosis and consultation accordingly.
2. 2. Choice of region/state- The cost of hip joint replacement surgery is more expensive in cities than in rural areas.
3. 3. Application of technology – The type of technique used in surgery is also a deciding factor in estimating the charges of surgery.
4. 4. Common test – Some tests like total blood cell count, liver, kidney, blood sugar level, blood pressure, etc need to be optimal to continue treatment
5. 5. Medicine or drug’s cost- Medicines, anesthesia, and other drugs as prescribed by the doctors should be consumed on time. This helps in easing the pain after surgery.
6. 6. Installed fitting support and pipes- Plastic domes, pipes, and other miscellaneous components that are fitted in the lower region of hips for support add to the overall cost.
7. 7. Insurances by the company- Some firms can provide you health insurance policy, with some limited or full coverage depending upon the policy. This can release some pressure on the patients. 
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Hip joint replacement surgery takes approximately 2 weeks to 6 weeks for complete surgery and recovery. But recovery could only be seen when one is following all the advice of the doctor which will include, taking medicines routine as prescribed, attending the session of physiotherapy regularly, and consulting the doctor post surgery. So the overall scenario suggests immediately visiting a doctor as soon as you see severe symptoms before it’s too late.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hip replacement a major operation?

Ans-  Yes, hip replacement surgery is major surgery, as it brings various complications. Hence, doctors suggest this surgery only when no other medicines are working to cure pain and mobility.

What is the average age for hip replacement surgery?

Usually hip joint replacement is majorly seen in people between the ages of 40-80 years, hence it needs to be treated as early as it gets detected to minimize the problems, as it is a type of major surgery.

How painful is hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is a major form of surgery and hence it could turn out a painful one. Pain can be reduced during operation, with the help of medicines. However after surgery, one might face pain. Allergy and infection can also occur if not taken properly care of. 

How long are you not on bed rest after a hip replacement?

Ans- Hip replacement surgery is a complicated surgery and it might take a little longer for recovering completely. The overall time required to restore mobility smoothly is nearly 2 weeks to 6 weeks.

What are the first signs that you need hip replacement surgery?

Signs and symptoms of hip joint replacement are unbearable pain occurrence in walking and moving, problems in sitting for long hours, and some deformity in bones.

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