Hip operations are quite common, approximately 35,000 interventions with prostheses are carried out each year, only in Spain. This is a side effect of the progressive aging of the population, since currently available treatments do not always eliminate pain when it appears. It is, therefore, a disease that significantly limits the performance of daily activities, even reducing the quality of life if the corresponding surgery is not performed. Hip surgery is carried out without too many complications, in fact, in Spain it is one of the ones that gives the best results. Technological advances have led to the development of numerous techniques while improving the materials used for osteosynthesis and advancing the design of prostheses. At present, the Albareda traumatology clinic, considered a leader in the sector, is the best example of a professional space trained and prepared at a technical and educational level to carry out this type of operation. Thanks to the advice of the team that forms it, we have been able to write this article with precise information and endorsed by an expert doctor in this type of intervention, Doctor Daniel Albareda.
What causes indicate that a hip replacement is necessary?
These surgeries become unavoidable when there is an excessive advance in the deterioration or the joint condition increases, limiting the movement and, therefore, the performance of daily actions. As a general rule, the intervention is performed when there is an increase in pain in the hip area, either due to an arthritic disease or due to some type of fracture or injury. Although, in some cases, it can also be due to disease conditions, such as gout, bone dysplasia, hemophilia, avascular necrosis or a muscle tear. In any case, osteoarthritis (joint degeneration) is the main cause of this pain, which can be quite high; while reducing the mobility of the person who suffers from it. Other related diseases, that is, of an arthritic type that can also determine hip surgery are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Rheumatic Arthritis.
How is hip surgery done?
A surgical intervention to carry out a total hip arthroplasty can last between 1 and 2 hours (depending on the type of prosthesis and the characteristics of the patient) and means that the joint will be replaced, totally or partially, by an artificial implant. . Damaged cartilage, as well as bone, will inevitably be removed and replaced by other elements. The first step will be to remove the head of the damaged femur, placing a metal pin right in the center of the already hollowed femur. The fixation process will be carried out on this stem, either by fitting it under pressure or with bone cement, depending on the circumstances. Subsequently, the head must be placed on top of the already glued metal part, thus replacing the damaged head of the bone. The next step will be to remove the surface (acetabulum) of the cartilage that is damaged so that it can be replaced by a piece with identical characteristics, but made of metal. Finally, a spacer must be inserted between the new metal acetabulum and the head to facilitate the smooth sliding of the prosthesis.
How is the postoperative period?
When leaving surgery, you will have to stay under observation, admitted to the clinic facilities, for at least 4 or 5 days. During this period it is common to notice some pain, so medical assistance and the supply of drugs must be constant. After this time, the recovery is not usually very slow, although everything will depend on the personal characteristics of the patient; its bone quality, associated pathologies, age, the type of prosthesis used…
Advantages of a hip operation
There are many benefits that the patient will receive after being rehabilitated after the intervention and the placement of the implant. The most important of all is that the pain will end up disappearing, although there are possible risks and/or complications that can be treated in a timely manner. It will also be possible to correct the deformity of the joint that could affect the knee due to decompensation in the articular arch of the leg. Likewise, there will be a recovery of mobility, allowing the patient to lead a normal life thanks to a stable gait. Of course, as a result of this improvement, the lost independence will be recovered, significantly improving the patient’s quality of life. As you can see, the procedure is not very complicated and this type of operation is quite common in Spain. However, the information exposed here may not be your condition. If you have a problem, we always recommend you go to an Advanced Traumatology Clinic so that they can evaluate your case and decide if you need this type of operation or opt for a more conservative treatment.
