Hip Replacement

A hip replacement surgery comes to give an answer to the wearing down of our body as we grow older. One major cause of this process is arthritis, which generally means there is damage to the cartilage that functions as the connecting tissue of the hip bones.

Joint Replacement

Joint replacement surgery is a general term describing procedures that are performed on various joints including ankle, foot, shoulder and elbow. However, the most common joint replacement surgeries are hip replacement and knee replacement procedures.

Before turning to the surgical option, an orthopedist will administer treatments such as activity modification and medicine. Once the medication is no longer sufficient and walking devices are no longer relieving the pain, the doctor may recommend that you undergo hip replacement surgery.

Hip Replacment Surgery Video

Hip Replacement

Our hip joint is located in the meeting point of the thighbone and the hipbone (the pelvis). During time and age, due to arthritis ('inflammation of the joint'), rheumatism Rheumatism is a non-specific term for medical problems affecting the joints and connective tissue (Source: Wikipedia) or fractures our hip joint or the cartilage may wear down and cause the bones to rub against each other, creating walking difficulties and pain.

The doctor may recommend different types of procedures for a hip replacement:

Partial Hip Replacement

A partial hip replacement procedure (also known as Hip Resurfacing) might be a logical alternative for younger and more active patients that are suffering from chronic hip pain. Hip resurfacing does not replace the entire bone, but will only reshape the femur head (which is the highest part of the thigh bone) during the procedure, by placing a metal cap over it. This decreases the recovery period, also making it easier on the patient.

Total Hip Replacement

A total hip replacement procedure, as it sounds, involves the complete replacement of the damaged hip joint by a prosthetic implant (generally comprised of a metal piece and a plastic one). As this is considered a major orthopedic procedure, it will require a longer healing time. However, as the recovery period will be accompanied by physiotherapy, patients are expected to resume an active life, allowing them to lead a healthier and happier lifestyle.

Orthopedic Surgery

As the recovery period is a major factor in joint replacement operations, many patients have difficulties deciding on the right timing to have them done. But when your quality of life decreases to a certain level with the pain or limited movement prevents you from your daily tasks, it is no longer worth the wait. Also, waiting for too long may worsen the arthritis (arthritis is often progressive) thus making the surgery harder to perform and demand a longer recovery time.

It should also be known that the implanted substitute can last and remain effective for a long time. Younger and more active patients will wear down the replaced joint more quickly than older and less active patients.

Hip Replacement Abroad

Understanding the hip replacement surgery is very important; as we believe the more you understand the more comfortable you will feel with making your decisions. An orthopedic specialist should determine the patients' compatibility to undergo a certain procedure.

We here at TicketMed are constantly reviewing surgeons' statistics. We insure the surgeon is available during the entire recovery time as we believe the service does not end in the operating room. All the surgeons we work with specialize in orthopedics and specifically in the field of joint replacements. For quick and efficient assistance, contact us or ask for a quote.