Total hip replacement (THR) is an effective surgical procedure of the hip joint. It aims at relieving pain and improving mobility for patients. This blog will provide an elaborate description of total hip replacement, the surgery performed, the causes that force a patient into undergoing this operation, and the recovery process.
The blog will also discuss the feasibility of THR surgery in Delhi and how Dr Simon Thomas will lead you through this journey.
What is Total Hip Replacement?
Total hip replacement, or hip arthroplasty, refers to an operating procedure by which man-made parts replace worn-out or damaged parts of the hip. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint made up of the femoral head, which acts as the ball of the joint, and the acetabulum that forms the socket.
THR involves the replacement of the natural ball and socket of the hip with prosthetic devices made of metal, ceramic, and plastic to resemble or mimic the natural movement of the hip. It is a surgical procedure that can improve mobility and reduce pain in patients who suffer from arthritis, fractures, degenerative diseases, and other such conditions.
How It Is Done?
Pre-operative Evaluation:
The patient is subjected to a thorough medical evaluation before the surgery. It includes X-rays and blood tests, among other diagnostic assessments. These help the surgeon know the extent of the damage done to the hip and how he ought to proceed with the surgery. The overall health condition of the patient is, therefore, established to ensure the patient is in good health to undertake the procedure.
Anesthesia:-
THR is usually done under general anesthesia. The patient can either be completely unconscious or have spinal anesthesia, where the lower half of the body is numbed and the patient is awake but pain-free.
Operative Procedure:-
An incision is made over the hip joint to expose the bad bone and cartilage. The damaged femoral head is excised, and a metallic stem replaces it inside the thigh bone. A metal or ceramic ball is then placed on top of the stem, which will take on the position of the excised femoral head.
In addition, the surgeon extracts the damaged cartilage and bone from the acetabulum and replaces it with a metal socket. It has a spacer, which is often made of plastic, between the replacement ball and socket for easy movement.
Postoperative Care:-
Patients are always taken to a recovery room right after surgery. In the early stages of the postoperative period, our concentration will be on pain control and mobility. Early physical therapy shall be commenced, say immediately after surgery, to help reestablish hip joint strength and movement.
What leads to THR?
There are several causes for THR. The main causes include Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hip fractures, avascular necrosis, congenital hip dysplasia, etc.
Why choose Dr. Simon Thomas for THR in Delhi?
Dr. Simon Thomas is Delhi’s best orthopedic surgeon with over ten years of uncompromising successful experience in hip replacement surgeries. His personalized attention approach, along with his latest surgical techniques expertise, ensures the best result for his patients.
Dr. Simon Thomas practices at some of the most renowned medical facilities in Delhi, providing complete care that includes diagnosis, prognosis, surgery, pre-operative and post-operative care. Dr.Thomas believes in educating the patient so that they can plan for post-surgical rehabilitation and regain their mobility, thus enjoying a pain-free life.
When suffering from arthritis or a hip fracture, among other conditions, you can certainly count on world-class care and support from Dr. Simon Thomas.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Dr. Simon Thomas today and take that first step towards a better quality of life!
