Hip replacement surgery falls under the remit of orthopaedics, a discipline which involves a wide range of clinical conditions that affect bones, muscle and ligaments. Orthopaedic surgeons are trained to operate on bones and many specialise in particular areas of the body, such as those that perform hip operations.
In the field of orthopaedics, hip replacements are very common and are usually necessary when either there is a hip fracture or when the joint is very painful due to arthritis or some other degenerative condition.
After a Hip Replacement
Hip surgery is typically a highly successful procedure, taking only a couple of hours. The next few weeks and months will be where your real recovery starts. The time it takes to get back to normal depends on several factors, including your age and general health. Here are some tips to get you fighting fit as soon as possible:
- Having a hip operation can be exhausting, so don't be worried if you are very tired when you get home. Take it easy on yourself, as you need to allow time for the cut and damaged tissues to heal.
- The 'normal' day-to-day hip pain that you have become used to, should not come back. However you will have some pain due to the process of your hip surgery.
- Try to get back on your feet as soon as possible. You will initially need a walking aid such as crutches but as you recover, you will be able to put these to one side.
- Follow your exercise programme given by your physiotherapist to strengthen the muscles around your new hip joint and to stop you getting stiff. The routine will also help with your recovery.
- If you had a hip replacement because of a hip fracture, it may take some time to regain confidence in your mobility. When you are walking about your home, be particularly careful in the bathroom and kitchen and on the stairs. Keep the floors free of clutter and make sure any rugs are secured to avoid trip hazards.
Caring for Your New Hip
You have gone to a lot of trouble to get your new hip, so you also need to consider how to keep it in top condition. Advice from your surgeon and physiotherapist may include some of these rules:
- For the first 6 weeks, you must sleep on your back with a special supporting pillow.
- For the first 12 weeks, you must be careful not to dislocate your joint. This means being careful how you move, walk and sit.
- Exercise regularly. Avoid extreme movements such as turning suddenly and stay away from activities that are at a high risk of causing falls, such as skating and skiing. High impact sports are not really recommended either.
Ultimately your new hip joint should give you pain-free movement for approximately 20 years, so make the most of your hip surgery and enjoy a healthy, active life.
About Ramsay Health Care
At Ramsay Health Care we are proud to work in partnership with some of the highest qualified and experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeons, neurosurgeons, pain management consultants and physiotherapists in the UK. Our holistic care offers you the best treatment!At Ramsay you won’t have to wait for an appointment or for your hip replacement surgery. Your treatment may be covered by medical insurance and self-pay packages are available on request. We have first class facilities and all self-funding and most privately insured patients can enjoy our Private Patient Pledge offering exclusive benefits including superb food, a relaxing environment, priority access and appointments to suit your lifestyle. Our aim is to help you feel like a guest as well as a patient.