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The hip is an enartrotic joint. Normally, the ball at the upper end of the thigh bone (femur) moves smoothly in the pelvic cavity (hip) over a cartilage lining. Cartilage prevents bones from rubbing. If the cartilage wears out, the underlying bone is exposed and causes pain and stiffness in the joint. As a result, walking and moving cause pain.
A new hip joint can improve your mobility and decrease pain.
Types of artificial hips
The artificial parts of hips can be metal, ceramic or plastic. The hip joints can be fixed in place by a special substance called 'bone cement'. Alternatively, it can be designed so that its bone grows on the metal. This stimulates the bone to grow into the artificial joint and snaps into place.
Hip revision surgery
During the original hip replacement, the hip joint was replaced with artificial hip pieces. Generally, they last between 10 and 20 years, until they need to be replaced.
Renewing an artificial hip joint is more complicated than the original operation because the artificial hip joint should be removed before placing a new one. If the hip has loosened, it may not be so difficult for the surgeon, but if it is still attached to the bone, removing the old components can be a challenge.
Although there will be a great improvement, you may feel that the new joint does not improve your life as the original hip operation. This may be due to the fact that the muscles may take longer to recover from the reconstruction of scar tissue and the repetition of the operation.
What alternatives are there for hip replacement?
Generally, surgery is recommended only if nonsurgical treatments, such as analgesics (acetaminophen), anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen), or using physical assistance such as a cane, no longer help reduce pain or improve mobility.
Preparation for the operation
The surgeon will explain how to prepare for the operation. For example, if you smoke, you will be asked to stop smoking, as this increases your risk of infection in the chest and wound, which may delay your recovery.
Normally, the operation will be performed under general anesthesia. This means that you will be asleep during the operation. As an alternative, you will undergo surgery under epidural or lumbar anesthesia [add link to epidurals for surgery and pain relief]. This completely blocks the sensitivity of the waist down and you remain awake during the operation. Your surgeon will tell you which type of anesthesia is best for you. Often, they are placed combined, so that people remain asleep, but epidural / lumbar anesthesia will calm any pain immediately after surgery.
If you are going to be given general anesthesia, you will be asked to fast. It means that you should not eat or drink, normally about six hours before. However, it is important to follow the advice of your anesthetist.
