Getting a hip replacement is a big decision, but it can be an even greater choice. It’s the right decision for you if you are experiencing pain and limited mobility in your hip. At present, more than 1 million hip and knee replacement surgeries are performed in the United States annually.
However, there are still many things that people don’t know about getting a hip replacement and how it will affect them.
Understanding Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery is a surgical procedure in which an arthritic or damaged hip joint is replaced with a man-made implant. The goal of this procedure is to relieve pain and improve mobility, strength, and quality of life for patients.
In a typical hip replacement surgery, the surgeon removes damaged bone from around your thigh bone (femur). He or she then replaces it with an artificial ball made out of metal alloys or ceramic materials. The socket portion where your thigh bone fits is also replaced with an artificial cup.
The goal behind this operation is to relieve pain and restore motion so you can perform daily activities without worrying. If you’re healthy enough for surgery and follow all prescribed instructions, there’s no reason why anyone wouldn’t be able to recover quickly. Hip replacement surgery has a success rate of 90-95% after 10 years, and 80-85% after twenty years, in the US.
The Road to Recovery
After surgery, it is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions and get the right kind of rehabilitation. This will help you recover faster and with minimal pain.
Your doctor may recommend physical therapy as part of your recovery plan. Physical therapists provide exercises to improve mobility and maintain strength in the muscles around the hip joint.
The goal is to regain full range of motion and ensure that movement happens with less effort than before surgery. This way, you won’t be putting stress on other parts of your body when walking or exercising after hip replacement surgery.
Expectations for recovery vary depending on age, lifestyle habits, and other factors such as genetics or obesity. However, most patients can expect their first full day without crutches after two weeks from surgery. People older than 70 years can sometimes take longer to recover than others, but there’s no set rule as such.
However, there can still be challenges. One of the biggest challenges you may face is because of the quality of the hip implant you use. Consider the example of Exactech hip replacement devices.
According to TorHoerman Law, thousands of Exactect hip replacement devices have been recalled. The reason for the recall was potential defects in the devices that can lead to severe injuries. This has led to many Exactech users who faced problems filing lawsuits against the manufacturers.
The number of cases increased so much that the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) converted them into multidistrict litigation (MDL). The Exactech MDL was formed to streamline the process of hearing and the further process. If you have faced any issues due to the use of Exactech hip replacement devices, you can file a lawsuit, too.
Exercise and Mobility
If you’re recovering from hip replacement surgery, exercise is one of the best ways to stay active and maintain your mobility. It can also help prevent further joint problems. Physical activity helps strengthen muscles around your hips, which will make it easier for you to get around and keep moving.
Here are some key reasons why exercise and mobility are important for recovery after hip replacement surgery:
- Prevention of complications: Immobility can lead to various complications after surgery, including blood clots, pneumonia, and muscle atrophy. Staying active and mobile can reduce the risk of these issues.
- Muscle strengthening: The surgery can temporarily weaken the muscles around the hip joint. Physical therapy and exercise help strengthen these muscles, improving stability and support for the new hip joint.
- Improved range of motion: Controlled and guided exercises can help improve the range of motion in the hip joint, allowing for better mobility and function.
- Pain management: Exercise can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural pain relievers. Regular physical activity can help manage post-operative pain more effectively.
- Enhanced circulation: Mobility and exercise promote healthy blood flow, which aids in the healing process and reduces the risk of blood clots.
- Faster recovery: Engaging in a well-structured rehabilitation program and adhering to an exercise regimen can lead to a faster and more complete recovery. This allows you to return to your normal activities sooner.
Emotional and Psychological Support
Many people undergoing hip replacement surgery can feel anxious. The same is true post the operation, too.
Emotional and psychological support plays a crucial role in the recovery process following hip replacement surgery. Patients often experience pain and discomfort during this time, and having emotional support can help them cope with these challenges.
Additionally, the surgery may result in a temporary loss of independence. Patients may need assistance with daily activities, and this can be emotionally distressing. Having the support of friends and family can ease this transition and make it more manageable.
Surgery can be a source of anxiety and stress for patients. Concerns about the outcome of the surgery, potential complications, and the recovery process can weigh heavily on their minds. According to a ScienceDirect study, 26.4% faced anxiety pre-surgery and more than 38% reported depressive symptoms post-it. Emotional support can provide a valuable outlet for patients to express their worries and receive reassurance.
Post-surgery depression is also not uncommon. Patients may experience feelings of sadness or hopelessness, especially if they were very active before the surgery. Emotional support and counseling can be effective in managing and overcoming these feelings.
The recovery process after hip replacement often involves a significant adjustment to a new normal. Patients may need to adapt to a more sedentary lifestyle and make changes to their daily routines. Emotional support can help them come to terms with these changes and find ways to maintain a positive outlook.
Conclusion
The road to recovery from hip replacement surgery is a long one, but it can be made easier by following these tips. Remember that the most important thing you can do for yourself is to stay positive and focused on your goals. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when needed. After all, it’s not just about getting back into shape but also feeling good about yourself again.
