Hip arthroplasty is a procedure for hip pain. Artificial implants are used to replace parts of the hip joint. However, the latest method called SUPERPATH is used for this surgery. The patient can feel discomfort around the hip joint and thigh. The surgery includes the replacement of one or both parts of the joint.
Total and partial hip replacements are performed, and they can be approached anteriorly, posteriorly, and laterally. Centreville, VA, hip and knee replacement specialist can guide you through the procedure with minimal risks and future complications.
Procedure for Total Hip Replacement
The process is performed according to the patient’s needs. The steps for the surgery include:
- Markings are done around the area of surgery, and vitals are checked- oxygen level, temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.
- Anesthesia is given. It can be local anesthesia in the spine to block sensation around the waist or can be general to put the body under sleep.
- An incision is made around the back of the hip, and the skin is cut through to visualize the muscles, then tissues, and at last bones of the pelvic joint.
- The joint is dislocated, and the femur head is removed from the socket (acetabulum).
- A bone saw (bone cutter) is used to cut the femoral head.
- A hemispheric reamer is used to shape the socket and to perform acetabular cup prosthesis.
- A cup is inserted in a reshaped socket. The cup is usually attached with bone cement, or it is made of titanium so that the bone can grow through it.
- An acetabular insert is used in the cup to provide smooth movement to the replaced joint; moreover, it is made of plastic or ceramic to provide stability.
- A femoral stem is inserted, which is narrow and tapered so that it can fit deep inside the femur. The top is designed to support the prosthetic ball.
- A provisional ball is inserted inside the cup to ensure ease of motion and to check the risk of dislocation.
- The trial ball is removed, and the final one is inserted in the socket to check the movement with ease and regular shape of the joint.
- X-rays are performed to check the position and size of components; later, the incisions are stitched.
Recovery
The duration of the surgery can be more or less than 2 hours which depends upon the type of replacement a doctor has performed. After that, the patient needs to rest in the recovery ward to terminate the effect of anesthesia. Then the patient is shifted to a regular ward where they are kept under routine observation before discharge. Modern technology has made surgery so advanced that hip replacement can be completed on the same day and in less time.