Hip replacement will teach you to walk again

The replacement of a damaged joint with an artificial analog is called endoprosthetics. Sometimes this is the only means that restores a person's ability to walk.

Replacement of the hip joint is the best solution when the patient suffers from a severe stage of coxarthrosis, which is characterized by total destruction of the cartilaginous tissue.

To understand the meaning of endoprosthetics of the hip joint, it is necessary to know its structure and structure.

This joint is a globular-type joint. It consists of two components: concave, located in the lower part of the pelvis, and convex, which refers to the femur. The hip joint, thanks to its shape and structure, is able to withstand heavy loads when running, jumping and walking.

Surgery to replace the hip joint  

Before the operation, the patient should consult a physician who will determine the degree of damage to the joint. The specialist will also individually identify the indications and contraindications to the operation. Next is the selection of the necessary prosthesis. In a conversation with a doctor, the patient learns about all the risks and possible complications.

With regard to complications, they are usually the same as in any other surgical operation, namely:

• Loss of blood during or after surgery;
• Clotting of blood vessel with thrombus (thromboembolism);
• Infectious infection;
• Dislocation of the prosthesis;
• pneumonia.

The preparatory stage before the operation for the replacement of the hip joint is a complete examination of the patient. After that, he is hospitalized 1-2 days before surgery.

Endoprosthetics of the hip joint is a rather complicated operation, which makes high demands on the surgeon, including high qualifications and extensive experience in carrying out such operations. Its duration is 1.5-3 hours. The operation consists in removing the damaged or destroyed joint and installing an endoprosthesis in its place.

After endoprosthetics of the hip joint, the patient is prescribed a course of antibiotics and painkillers. Symptomatic treatment is also carried out, if necessary. After the operation, it is important that the operated limb is in the correct position. For this, a special roller is placed between the legs of the patient.

The first day allowed a moderate activity of the injured limb in bed. On the second day, static exercises, focused on the muscles of the operated limb, are allowed. After 3 days after the operation, the patient can take crutches or an arena. Sutures are removed after 10-12 days. As a rule, at this time the patient is released home, where he must strictly follow the doctor's recommendations regarding rehabilitation. However, the best option is to restore a special rehabilitation center in the walls, where highly skilled specialists-rehabilitation specialists will take over the patient. The operation imposes certain restrictions on the load on the operated limb, which should be observed for 6-8 weeks after the operation.

Postoperative complications with which hip replacement is associated occur, according to various estimates, in 5-15% of cases. These include:

• Violations due to incorrectly selected prosthesis;
• Aseptic instability;
• Fracture of the prosthetic foot;
• Infection;
• Hematomas;
• Exacerbation of chronic diseases.

As a rule, endoprosthetics of the hip joint is highly effective. Functionality of the damaged limb is returned in 95 cases out of 100. Several months are spent on complete restoration of the limb, as a result of which patients return to their habitual way of life and can even re-engage in sports.

After the operation to replace the hip joint, it is important to remember that over time the endoprosthesis wears out. Accordingly, the greater the load he is experiencing, the faster the degradation process takes place. If the patient suffers from excess weight or leads a too active lifestyle, his prosthesis will not serve a long service. Under normal conditions, his service life is 15-20 years.