More than 2.5 million people in the USA undergo hip replacement surgery every year. The surgery is a lengthy procedure in which a medical professional makes an incision on one side of the thigh. He/she removes the damaged hip joint and replaces it with an artificial one.
The newly replaced part of the hip joint mimics the functions of normal joints. The artificial pieces are made of ceramic, metal, and plastic. Or, they can be a combination of different materials.
As joint replacement surgery requires impeccable skills, you must choose only a certified and experienced surgeon. Dr. Derek Hill in this regard, is a highly qualified surgeon who has the right set of skills and expertise to perform complicated hip replacement surgeries. Her goal of hip replacement surgery is to help patients:
Alleviate pain from the diseased or damaged hip joint.
Improve functions of the hip joint
move better
If you’re scheduled for hip replacement surgery, you need to prepare several weeks before the operation. Thus, it is important to learn how to prepare and what to expect from your hip replacement surgery.
How to Prepare for a Hip Replacement Surgery
The surgeon tries his or her best to make the smallest incision to limit the injury to the bones and soft tissue in a hip replacement. However, to allow speedy recovery, you need to be in a healthy condition before your surgery. You can prepare for your hip replacement surgery by;
Speaking with your surgeon about the surgery procedure. You can request written information to review if needed.
Asking your doctor about exercises and workouts you can do before surgery to get stronger.
Quitting or cutting back smoking
Reducing weight if you’re overweight. Keep in mind that being obese can increase your chances of medical issues after surgery.
Setting up transportation for post-surgery follow-up visits.
Making meals or completing necessary tasks in advance.
Placing everyday items at arm’s level to reach them easily after surgery
Speaking to a health care team regarding equipment that can help with everyday activities
What to Expect
The period you need to stay in the hospital facility or surgical center post-surgery depends on multiple factors. Your overall health is the most important factor in determining your recovery period. While the recovery period of a hip replacement surgery may vary from patient to patient, it might take 4 to 8 weeks to fully recover after surgery.
Also, you need to learn some exercises that can strengthen your hips and improve your mobility. It is important to follow the instructions of your health care team to recover in time.
Summing Up
All in all, hip replacement surgery can help you repair damaged or diseased hip joints due to conditions like Osteonecrosis, Osteoarthritis, and Rheumatoid arthritis. The post-surgery recovery period can be tough or challenging, therefore you need to make sure that you’re prepared and know all the essential details.
Contact Dr. Hill's office and speak to the professionals about the things you must know before surgery.
Links
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/03/140314093737.htm#:~:text=Among%20the%20study%20findings%3A,2.3%20and%204.6%20percent%2C%20respectively.