Total Hip Replacement Introduction
Total hip replacement (THR) is an excellent treatment option for people with late-stage degenerative hip disease. THR is one of the most successful and common surgical procedures in orthopedic surgery. In addition to marked reduction in painand improvement in sleep, most people regain range of motion, physical ability, and quality of life.
* The hip joint is composed of a ball and socket, with the surface of each covered by cartilage.
* A number of conditions and diseases can cause the cartilage surfaces to degenerate, which in turn leads to pain, stiffness, and disability.
* Doctors replace both the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) during total hip replacement surgery.
Risks
* Infection: A small number of people can develop an infection with a total hip replacement. You may require further surgery to remove the prostheticcomponents and clean out the joint along with a course of antibiotics lasting 6-8 weeks.
* Deep venous thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot (thrombosis) may form in veins of yourpelvis, thigh, or leg. After surgery, you will receive blood-thinning medication, usuallyaspirin or warfarin (Coumadin), to prevent clots from forming.
* Pulmonary embolism (PE): An embolismoccurs when a clot breaks free and travels to your lungs. An embolism potentially can cause serious respiratory difficulty. The risk of having one is less than 1%.
* Bleeding: As with any surgery, you will experience bleeding both during and after the procedure. You often will need a blood transfusion.
* Nerve injury: You have a small risk of injuring the nerves that allow sensationand movement of your leg. Often this problem, if it occurs, will go away over time.
* Anesthesia: Any type of anesthesia has risks associated with it. Discuss these with your doctor.
* Fracture: Other bones may be broken during surgery. These breaks may affect your rehabilitation and require a longer hospital stay.
* Dislocation: Your new hip will not move as well as a normal joint and thus can be dislocated more easily. You must be cautious not to sit too low or to cross your legs.
From : http://amirahsaryatifundforhipreplacements.blogspot.com/2011/11/total-hi...