Hip replacement surgery is an effective option to relieve persistent pain and limited mobility resulting from hip arthritis or a hip fracture.
During hip replacement surgery, dead or diseased bone is removed and replaced with an artificial hip joint made of metal or ceramic. This can ease your symptoms and restore your mobility.
If you have hip replacement surgery on the calendar or are considering it to get rid of your hip pain, there are some things that you need to know about the surgery.
Below are a few key things about hip replacement surgery that you should know, and where you can find a highly rated orthopedic doctor near you to perform the surgery.
#1 What Makes a Good Candidate for Hip Replacement
Good candidates for hip replacement are people with a damaged hip who are otherwise in good health. People with the following conditions are candidates for hip replacement:
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)
- Osteonecrosis (damage to the bone due to lack of blood supply)
- Fractures (from trauma or disease)
Generally, hip surgeons try other nonsurgical treatments (pain medications, physical therapy, exercise programs, activity modification, and assistive devices such as a cane or walker) before recommending a hip replacement. So, if your doctor has tried nonsurgical treatments and they have failed to provide you with sufficient relief, hip replacement surgery is your option.
#2What Happens During Hip Replacement Surgery
For the surgery, first, you will receive anesthesia, either regional anesthesia (anesthesia that blocks nerves to a certain area of the body) or general anesthesia (anesthesia that puts your whole body to sleep). Then your hip surgeon will make an incision over the hip to access the damaged joint.
Following the incision, your surgeon will remove the diseased bone tissues or cartilage from the hip joint and place an artificial joint in place of the damaged joint.
#3 You Get an Artificial Joint in Hip Replacement Surgery
Believe it or not, bone can be successfully replaced with artificial material that can restore smooth range of motion to your joint. Depending on the extent of your hip replacement, part or all of your joint can be replaced with artificial materials.
Generally, the main parts of the artificial joint that fit against the bone, socket, and stem are made of metals. Conversely, the joint surfaces may have components made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. Before undergoing a joint replacement, it’s important that you know the material an artificial joint is made of, particularly if you are allergic or sensitive to some metals.
Orthopedic Doctor Near Me in San Antonio, TX
If you have hip arthritis or hip fracture and are looking for lasting relief, visit us here at the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. We have the best orthopedic doctors in San Antonio, TX, who have years of experience treating hip conditions. Our highly trained and experienced teamalso includes physical therapists and sports medicine doctors. We are committed to providing youhighest quality care for all your orthopedic needs.
If you would like to know more about our services or want to make an appointment, call us today at (210) 692-7400 or request your appointment online. We look forward to serving you!
