Do you struggle with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteonecrosis in the hip joint? Do you have hip pain that worsens when you walk, persists even with pain medication, or makes daily activities such as sleeping, getting dressed, or going up and down stairs difficult? If you answered yes to any of these, you might be considering a hip replacement. Dr. Dewan and his skilled team are proud to help patients make educated decisions about their treatment and care, and offer a variety of services to help increase mobility and improve quality of life. Let’s take a closer look at how a hip replacement may do just that for you!
Considering Hip Replacement
There are many considerations to be made when deciding whether surgical treatment is an appropriate option for you. As mentioned above, if hip pain interferes with daily activities and basic mobility, this could be a key indication that you need to take the next step in your treatment. If you have exhausted all nonsurgical treatment options, it may be time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Dewan to discuss surgical intervention.
During your consultation, we will conduct a thorough examination to analyze your range of motion and strength in the muscles surrounding the hip. We may need to order additional tests such as X-rays, blood tests, and in some rare cases, an MRI. This consultation is a great time to present any questions or concerns to Dr. Dewan so that we can address each of them before scheduling your procedure.
We will also review any preoperative steps you need to take such as discontinuing any medications prior to your procedure and any lifestyle modifications that may need to be made before your appointment. Typically tobacco use will need to be stopped for at least one month before your procedure, and you will need to refrain from using these products for at least two months afterwards. Let us know if you need help quitting, and we will be happy to help provide assistance. You will also need to refrain from having any dental work in the two weeks leading up to your procedure, so be sure to schedule your cleanings well in advance or after your surgery.
What happens during hip replacement?
When you undergo a hip replacement, Dr. Dewan will remove the sections of damaged joint and will reconstruct the area using an artificial joint to help improve hip functionality. Hip prostheses are typically made of hard plastic, ceramic, and metal specifically designed for this type of use.
We will do everything we can during your procedure to keep you comfortable, including providing anesthesia to help prevent you from feeling pain. The procedure will take a few hours, and afterwards you will be moved to recovery where you will be monitored while the anesthesia wears off. For some patients, you may be able to return home the same day. However, some patients may require additional recovery time depending on their needs.
Postoperative Care
Before you are sent home from your procedure, we will discuss steps you will need to take as part of your at-home postoperative care. This will include steps to prevent blood clots, physical therapy, and instructions for follow-up care. It can be extremely beneficial to have someone help you in the early stages of the recovery process at home, and you will want to make arrangements for meals and transportation prior to your procedure. Having frequently used items at waist level in an easy-to-access location will also be helpful in your recovery process. Consider purchasing a raised toilet seat and making other household modifications to help you best avoid bending down or reaching up too much.
Your follow-up appointment will most likely be scheduled between 6 and 12 weeks after your procedure. This is typically the point where most patients are able to resume their normal activities with increased mobility and strength progressing for the following 6 to 12 months.
How long will my prosthetic last?
Hip prosthetic longevity can vary depending on the level of activity and age of the patient at the time of the replacement. Young and active patients may require a second hip replacement eventually, as your prosthetic may wear out with age and years of use. That being said, there have been many improvements made to hip prosthetic materials that have allowed them to last longer, so not all patients will require a second replacement.
Dr. Dewan and his skilled team are proud to serve their community by improving the quality of life of those struggling with mobility issues. If you or a loved one may benefit from our services, please contact Dr. Dewan today for a consultation at (281) 690-4678.