Hip surgery
Hip is built as a kind of spherical head, sitting in a concave niche. There are straps and muscles around it, which maintain the stability and help it during activity. The head of the thigh bone coated with articular cartilage that prevents frictions, serves as a shock absorber and allows smooth movement without pain. In cases where the cartilage is destroyed, whether due to degenerative arthritis or as a result of injury, in consequence, a friction between the bones of the area, leading to erosion of the hip and a lot of unbearable pain. This is very common among the ages of 65 and up, but also exists among younger patients suffering from degenerative arthritis known as osteoarthritis, which significantly restrict their movement and affects quality of life. In such cases, hip replacement surgery is the recommended solution, after having tried all the other treatment options, such as painkillers, physical therapy and more.
How does it work?
Hip replacement surgery is a very common surgery among adults. The entire treatment process includes several stages: The entire treatment process includes several stages: expert consultation, preparation for surgery, hip surgery itself, the recovery and rehabilitation after surgery. Before the surgery, the patient must undergo various tests.
Usually, patients undergo blood tests, nasal breeding, ECG and chest X-ray. After passing all the tests required, the patient will set a meeting with the nursing staff of the hospital to get a detailed explanation of the process of hospitalization, another meeting with the anesthesiologist in order to receive an explanation about the types of anesthesia (full or regional anesthesia (half body), cons and benefits of all types of anesthesia. The anesthesiologist – according to patient’s condition – decides together with the patient which type of anesthesia is best for him.
The physiotherapist will give instructions before hospitalization, with an explanation of the necessary props, exercises and activities that the patient needs to do before surgery for promoting and accelerating his recovery after surgery.
The patient will be received by the nursing staff, the department doctor and the surgeon. He will be transferred to the wing of operating rooms where the surgery takes place. At the end of the surgery the patient is transferred to the unit of awakening, where he is staying under full supervision for about two hours. Then, he is transferred to the Department for further observation and surveillance.
Already right after the surgery begins the process of rehabilitation, respiratory physiotherapy and muscle activation. A day after the surgery, the rehabilitation process continues. Full cooperation by the patient leads to a quick and much better recovery. The patient starts walking on a treadmill and gets a more complete explanation on the entire restoration process. Also, he will be told what activities and exercises are recommended. A few days later the patient is released home, and then he continues being under surveillance by the surgeon and undergoes rehabilitation for several weeks until full recovery.