You Can Play a Major Role in the Success of Your Hip Replacement
Hip replacement surgery is becoming more common, with more than double the number of procedures in 2010 than in 2000. Part of the increase is due to more surgeries being performed on younger patients between the ages of 45 and 54, and part is due to the growing numbers of baby boomers who have arthritis in their hips and are unwilling to live with the pain and decreased mobility and quality of life.
While medical advancements mean that a total hip replacement (THR) is less risky than it once was, it is still a major medical procedure, and patients who are thoroughly informed and prepared are more likely to have an easier time prior to, during, and after the surgery.
What to Expect
In THR, a diseased or damaged hip joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint, which consists of a ball and socket made of plastic, ceramic, and/or metal. The most common reason for THR is an arthritic hip in which the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down to the point that you experience bone rubbing on bone, which causes pain and limits the joint’s mobility.
Like many surgical procedures, THR has seen technological advances that have decreased the length of post-surgical hospital stays as well as the time it takes to get back on your feet.
“Most patients are in the hospital for only three or four days, and some patients are released sooner. After THR surgery, many patients are up and walking that same day,” says Jill Rieger, MD, an internist at Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
To get the most years out of your hip replacement:
- Continue to participate in low-impact activities that build muscle strength, especially in your upper legs and core muscles.
- Maintain a healthy weight; people who are overweight are more likely to have an implant that has loosened.
- Avoid high-impact activities, such as running, jumping, and singles tennis, which can shorten the lifespan of the joint replacement.
- See your orthopedic surgeon every few years after your hip replacement, even if the joint feels good, to have your implant checked for loosening or for other problems that might arise.
Patient Participation Is Essential
The surgeon is only partially responsible for the procedure’s outcome: The patient can have a significant impact on the success of the surgery, as well as the post-surgical rehabilitation process.
Be sure to provide your surgeon with all information that may have an impact on your surgery.
“Some medications, including hormone replacement therapy, can increase the risk of blood clots,” Dr. Rieger explains. “Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements; you may need to stop taking some of them prior to surgery.”
After surgery, make sure to follow all of the directions your doctor gives you. If you have any warning signs that there might be a problem with your prosthesis, such as sudden pain, decreased range of motion, or difficulty walking, report them to your doctor immediately.
And, be prepared for several weeks of physical therapy, which is critical for a successful rehabilitation.
“Participate fully in physical therapy—you will have to do a little bit of hard work, but it will pay off,” advises Dr. Rieger.
Be Prepared
Many factors affect the success of THR and the speed and degree of recovery.
“Prior to surgery, optimize your weight and overall health for the quickest, easiest recovery. You can do ‘prehabilitation’ before surgery,” advises Dr. Rieger. “Also, be sure you have a good understanding of what will occur before, during, and after surgery; have realistic expectations about what is going to happen.” She recommends the following:
▶ Stay as active as possible prior to surgery.
▶ If you’re overweight, lose some of those extra pounds; it will make the rehabilitation process easier.
▶ Make sure your dental care is up to date; you can’t have dental procedures for a few months following surgery due to the possibility of infection.
▶ If you are returning home after surgery rather than going to a rehab facility, get any adaptive equipment you’ll need, such as a cane, raised toilet seat, and shower bench, before surgery.
▶ Call on family and friends for assistance with transportation, grocery shopping, food preparation, and other domestic tasks following surgery.
▶ Find out if you will have to travel to physical therapy, or if a physical therapist will be able to come to your home. If you will be traveling and no one is available to transport you, ask if there are any free or low-cost transportation services for patients.
The post You Can Play a Major Role in the Success of Your Hip Replacement appeared first on University Health News.
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