Total hip replacement or arthroplasty (THR/THA) is one of the most cost-effective and consistently successful surgeries performed in orthopedics.

THR provides reliable outcomes for patients suffering from end-stage degenerative hip osteoarthritis (OA), specifically pain relief, functional restoration, and overall improved quality of life. Once considered a procedure limited to the elderly, low-demand patients, THR is becoming an increasingly popular procedure performed in younger patient populations.

During a hip replacement, the head of the femur is replaced with a prosthetic head (ball) on a shaft, and the joint surface of the acetabulum (cup) is lined with a bowl-shaped synthetic joint surface.

WHO REQUIRES THR

• Osteoarthritis
• Post traumatic arthritis
• Hip fracture
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Avascular necrosis of head of femur
• Congenital hip dislocation and dysplasia
• Bone tumors
• Implant failure after hip fracture surgery

RECOVERY IN POST OPERATIVE PERIOD

• There will be some pain for which your surgical team will prescribe pain killers.
• You may also receive an epidural infusion which will deliver pain medication directly into the spine.
• The patient can be made to walk the next day of surgery with the help of a walker provided there is good pain tolerance by the patient
• The patient will be put on a regular exercise regiment
• Sometimes a pillow may be kept in between the legs while sleeping to avoid dislocation
• After complete recovery, you should be able to walk with no or very minimal discomfort.
• Following your doctors, physiotherapists instructions can help you get better soon and avoiding complications.

COMPLICATIONS

Complications following THR are generally uncommon. Nevertheless, the possible complications are:

• Infection
• Dislocation
• Wound complications
• Venous thromboembolism

With proper care, your outlook after undergoing the surgery is excellent and encouraging.

Reviewed By:

DR.DEEPAK KUMAR K.S

CHIEF CONSULTANT – ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON

MBBS, DIPLOMATE IN ORTHOPEDICS, MS (ORTHOPEDICS), Mch (ORTHO)