Hip replacement or complete hip replacement is a surgical orthopaedic procedure to change the hip’s articulation using an artificial devise (prosthesis) to restore joint movement.

Procedure Details

This orthopedic surgery is usually performed in older patients. It is not recommended for younger ones because of the tension the artificial hip receives.

Some reasons to consider hip replacement are:

• Pain in the hip that does not respond to traditional treatment (AINE non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs during six or more months).
• Osteoarthritis or hip arthritis diagnosed through radiography.
• Incapacity to work, sleep or move around due to pain.
• Loose hip prosthesis.
• Some hip fractures.
• Tumors in the hip articulation.

Risks and Side Effects

You should NOT attempt to have Hip Resurfacing if you have ANY of the following conditions:

• Current hip infection.
• Lack of enough tissue covering hip.
• Quad muscles paralysis.

Severe disease in the leg and feet’s blood vessels ( Peripheral Vascular Diseases)

• Nervous disease (neuropathy) that affects the hip.
• Severe mental dysfunction.
• Serious physical condition (terminal disease such as when there is metastasis).
• Morbid obesity (over 136 k or 300 pounds).

Post Operative Care

A typical hospital stay averages 3 to 7 days. The patient is required to stay in the country where they have their surgery for a minimum of 6 additional days or longer (based on the doctor). Full recovery can take from 6 weeks to 3 months (we have had clients who have gone surfing and horseback riding after surgery). Rehabilitation therapy begins shortly after surgery. Preoperative meetings with a physical therapist will help the patient understand what therapy will be like. Patients should continue with physical therapy until released from their doctor's care.

Much of the initial surgical recovery will happen during the 3 to 7-day hospital stay. The surgeon or attending nurse will administer wound care and give the patient instructions in the hospital with regards to further care and medication usage. The patient should follow the at-home recovery instructions closely to avoid infection and to encourage prompt healing. At home, patients should have assistance during the first few weeks until full mobility returns.