Busting Common Myths around Hip Joint Replacement

Hip replacement, also known as hip arthroplasty, entails surgically replacing diseased areas of the hip with artificial components. The hip replacement surgery is performed by an orthopedic surgeon who removes affected parts of the hip joint and inserts a prosthesis in its place that mimics the joint’s function.

Hip joint replacement surgery facilitates smooth hip function and pain relief and increases mobility with a free range of motion. As one of the leading Hip Joint Replacement Surgeons in Ahmedabad, we regularly encounter myths and misconceptions surrounding hip replacement.

Let us look at some common myths that hamper sound decision-making regarding hip joint replacement surgery and uncover the truth behind them.

#1 “I’m too young for a hip joint replacement.”

The need for hip joint replacement surgery depends on various factors. While age is among those factors, it is important to remember; it isn’t the only one!

Traditionally, hip joint replacement surgery is reserved exclusively for the elderly (60 or above). The supporting argument to justify this consideration is that the recommended activities post-surgery suit an older person compared to a young patient’s expectations, especially in terms of free range of motion and joint mobility.

Another reason why more adults tend to opt for this surgery is the delayed development of “bone on bone” deformities later in one’s life. Bone-on-bone changes are the primary trigger to conduct a hip joint replacement surgery in the first place.

Your doctor may consider various factors before recommending this surgery. Usually, younger patients that undergo hip joint replacement surgery suffer from unusually severe deformities with impaired functional mobility. The surgery helps restore mobility and helps in pain relief.

Additionally, the implant technology has undergone a tremendous transformation enabling better handling and long-lasting prosthetic joints, reducing the risk of surgery repetition in younger patients.

#2 “Hip joint replacement wears out quickly.”

Back in the olden days in the 1980s and 1990s, a complete hip replacement did not last longer than 20 years which is why orthopedic surgeons recommended older people over the age of 50 to undergo this surgery.

However, recent technological advancements in implant technology, improved prosthetic material combined with better surgical techniques leave no room for doubt when considering undergoing even a total hip replacement surgery as a young patient.

The metal and plastic in hip joint replacements have a longer lifespan than us. It isn’t the joint replacement; it’s the bone around the joint that deteriorates over time due to friction and movement, leading to the joint loosening front th bone in 15-20 years.

However, ongoing research surrounding the interaction of joint replacements with the bone and how it affects various materials used for the prosthetic joint show promising results. Studies show modifications made during material selection lead to less particle production causing the hip joint replacement to last longer.

#3 “Overweight/Arthritic People aren’t ideal candidates for hip replacement surgery.”

The limitations that existed 50 years ago have been overcome by the robust advancements in medical science, making it possible for obese patients to undergo surgeries.

Due to the additional joint pressure caused in obese people, traditional surgical practices indicated less successful surgeries in obese patients. However, recent studies show similar success at pain relief and mobilization among obese and normal weighted people.

Additionally, many obese patients who opted for hip joint replacement surgery seemed to lose significant weight due to the need for an active lifestyle post-surgery.

Osteoarthritis is another common condition people suffer from after obesity. Anyone with hip joint damage is an ideal candidate for hip joint replacement surgery.

Osteoarthritis is one of the primary triggers of hip joint deterioration. The only thing inhibiting an orthopedic surgeon from performing a hip joint surgery is if the patient is in poor health. If you are in pain or your hip joint deterioration hampers mobility, hip joint replacement surgery is a viable option.

#4 “I won’t be able to engage in physical activity.”

One of the most critical post-surgical requirements is continuing low-impact physical activity. Excessive pressure and weight damage joints, hampering one’s mobility; however, lack of physical activity increases the risk of arthritic conditions and obesity.

Your physical rehabilitation therapist will encourage you to walk moderately or climb stairs the same day or a day after surgery. Regular walking strengthens muscles around the replaced joint, reducing the chances of blood clot formation.

Whether you remain bedridden for days post your hip joint replacement surgery or land on your feet right after the surgery depends on the state of your current health and the type of surgery performed.

It may take a patient between three to six months for complete recovery, but physical therapists aim to facilitate walking and driving within six weeks.

#5 “Avoid hip replacement for as long as possible.”

One of the most common fears among people contemplating if they should opt for hip replacement surgery is that they wouldn’t return to their normal activities post-surgery.

As a result, they postpone hip joint replacement for as long as possible. The delayed procedure impacts their mobility, causing them to suffer in pain or losing function. Delaying a surgery your body needs reduces not only the overall quality of your life but also affects your recovery post-surgery.

Consult an orthopedic specialist as soon as your joint pain stops responding to other ways of minimizing pain. Chronic pain can affect your life and pave the way for other conditions such as depression, anxiety, and much more.

Hip joint replacement surgery can help you relieve pain, restore mobility and free range of motion.

Conclusion

We hope this comprehensive myth-buster has helped you gain insight and decide about considering hip joint replacement surgery.

Remember, an orthopedic specialist will only suggest surgery when exhausted all their other non-surgical options such as exercise, physical therapy, and medications. The choice of prosthetic material, the severity of your ailment, and the orthopedic surgeon you consult decide the success of your hip joint replacement surgery.

Our team of specialist orthopedic surgeons at Rathi Hospital performs thousands of successful hip joint replacement surgeries all around the year.

To know more, consult the best Hip Joint Replacement Surgeon in Ahmedabad.