Share:

If you’ve sustained damage to your hip joint, you might require a hip replacement. While this procedure is fairly commonplace in modern medicine, it’s helpful for patients to know what to expect when undergoing it. Below are a few key points to be aware of so you can be prepared for all aspects of your surgery. 

A Guide to Hip Replacements: What You Need to Know

Before Surgery

During the preliminary exam, your physician will assess the affected hip joint as well as your general state of health to ensure you’re fit enough to undergo surgery. You’ll also be asked about your health history, including any current medications to prevent adverse effects after the surgery. If you have any questions about your procedure, the preliminary exam is a great time to ask them. Additionally, it’s vital that you follow any instructions given by your physician to the letter. 

During the Procedure

hip replacementTo access your hip joint, the surgeon will make an incision on your hip, usually at the front or side. Next, damaged tissue will be removed to make way for the prosthetic device. An artificial socket will be placed within your hip bone, into which is fitted a prosthetic ball joint. The new joint is attached to your femur via a metal stem, which is intended to provide a stable basis for your new hip.

After the Replacement

You’ll be given physical therapy after the procedure to build up strength in your hip. Activity will be light at first to ensure your hip remains stable, but the intensity will gradually increase as you gain strength. You’ll also need to be vigilant about preventing blood clots, which can form due to inactivity. While your mobility will be limited, it’s important to get around as much as possible in the days following the procedure. Your medical staff may also prescribe blood thinners or compression stockings, which keep blood flowing in the lower extremities. 

 

Finding a physician you can trust is an important part of a hip replacement. For more than 35 years, George D J Griffin III, MD and the rest of his staff have supported Cincinnati, OH, patients as they search for solutions to chronic pain conditions. As a result, this orthopedic surgeon is capable of treating a wide range of conditions, including injuries and disorders that call for treatments like hip replacements. If you’d like to schedule an appointment today, call (513) 481-6100. You can also visit this practice online to see the complete listing of health services for yourself.

tracking