Hip Replacement Can Provide Relief

Severe arthritis in your hips can impair your movement, making it difficult to navigate steps or merely walk from one room to another. Since a lack of movement can have lasting damaging effects on your body, if you're suffering from constant and severe hip pain, you should consult a doctor. Most physicians will try a cautious approach to this sign of aging by treating you with medicine and physical therapy first. But when all else fails, you and your doctor may want to discuss hip replacement surgery. As with any surgical procedure, it shouldn't be entered into lightly. Be sure you understand the ramifications when considering a hip replacement in Covington, WA. 

What Is the Procedure?

A hip replacement surgery removes the worn-out ball and socket joint and replaces them with a metal stem and ball and socket joint. These components are held in place with either bone-in growth or a cement fixative. The surgery takes about 60 minutes to complete, and the hospital stay is typically one to three days. The doctor cuts a small incision, either posterolateral, lateral, or anterior, depending on which method is best for your condition. You will need to use a walker for one to two weeks before you can graduate to a cane, and your driving will be limited for at least a month. Ninety percent of hip replacements will function for fifteen years with no additional surgery. 

What Are the Drawbacks?

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks, so hip replacement should only be done after exhausting all other forms of treatment. Look for a hospital that performs a lot of this type of surgery, and a physician who has done a considerable number, since they'll have fewer complications. Also, seek out a doctor who offers pre- and post-operative education for you and your family. Knowledge is power, and you want to educate yourself on what to expect. As for the surgery itself, you can run the risk of infections, which are countered by being given doses of antibiotics before and immediately following surgery. Blood clots can occur with this type of surgery, and your doctor will prescribe a blood thinner for a few weeks post-surgery. Dislocation of the replacement joint occurs in about 2 percent of cases and is liable within the first few months after surgery. There may be limb length inequality, which may necessitate a lift in one shoe. Numbness may also occur near the site of the surgery. You should talk to your doctor about the benefits and drawbacks before having a hip replacement in Covington, WA.