Arthroplasty is a surgical technique that aims to restore the function of the hip joint by replacing the damaged or diseased parts.

The procedure involves the removal of the damaged parts of the hip joint and replacing them with an artificial hip joint or prosthesis that mimics the functions of a natural hip joint.

What Causes Hip Joint Damage?

The hip joint is one of the most critical joints in the body, responsible for bearing the body’s weight and providing mobility. However, this joint is vulnerable to damage, which may result from various factors, including:.

Age-related wear and tear of the joint
Injuries and damage caused by physical trauma
Arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory disorders
Avascular necrosis, which is the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply
Congenital hip dysplasia, a condition in which the hip joint is misaligned from birth

When is Hip Arthroplasty Necessary?

Hip arthroplasty is necessary when conservative treatment methods such as pain management and physical therapy fail to provide relief from hip joint pain, stiffness, and mobility issues.

The following symptoms may indicate the need for a hip arthroplasty:.

Chronic hip pain that interferes with daily activities
Stiffness and limited mobility in the hip joint
Difficulty standing up or walking
Severe hip joint damage that significantly limits hip joint function
Joint deformities and abnormal leg lengths caused by hip joint damage

Types of Hip Arthroplasty

There are two main types of hip arthroplasty surgeries, which your surgeon may recommend based on the extent and location of hip joint damage:.

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA)

In a total hip arthroplasty, also known as a hip replacement, the surgeon removes the damaged parts of the hip joint, including the ball (femoral head) and the socket (acetabulum).

The surgeon then replaces these parts with an artificial ball and socket, attached to the femur and the hip bone, respectively. The artificial joint is usually made of metal and plastic and can last for over 20 years in most patients.

Partial Hip Arthroplasty (PHA)

In a partial hip arthroplasty, also known as a hip hemiarthroplasty, the surgeon replaces only the damaged femoral head with an artificial one, leaving the hip bone and socket intact.

This procedure is more common in older patients with certain types of hip fractures and may preserve more of the natural bone and hip joint tissue than a total hip arthroplasty.

The Hip Arthroplasty Procedure

The hip arthroplasty procedure typically involves the following steps:.

Preoperative Preparation

Your surgeon may instruct you to undergo preoperative evaluations, including lab tests, X-rays, and other imaging tests, to assess your overall health and the extent of hip joint damage.

You may also need to stop taking certain medications that may interfere with the surgery or increase your risk of bleeding.

Anesthesia

Your surgeon will administer anesthesia to numb the hip joint region and help you sleep through the surgery. You may receive general anesthesia, which puts you in a deep sleep, or regional anesthesia, which numbs only the lower half of your body.

Incision

Your surgeon will make an incision along the side or back of the hip joint, exposing the damaged hip joint parts.

Removal of Damaged Tissue

The surgeon will remove the damaged femoral head and prepare the acetabulum to receive the artificial socket. The surgeon may use specialized tools to reshape the hip joint bone and make it fit snugly with the artificial joint parts.

Insertion of Artificial Joint

The surgeon will insert the artificial femoral head, attached to a stem that fits into the femur, into the prepared socket.

The artificial socket is then attached to the hip bone through screws or cement, depending on the patient’s age and bone quality. The surgeon will then test the joint’s range of motion and stability before closing the incision and applying a dressing.

Aftercare and Rehabilitation

After hip arthroplasty, you will need to stay in the hospital for a few days or longer, depending on your overall health and the extent of the surgery.

Your surgeon will provide instructions on how to care for your surgical wound, manage pain, and prevent complications such as blood clots and infections.

You may also need to undergo rehabilitation therapy that includes physical therapy and occupational therapy to help you regain strength, mobility, and flexibility in your hip joint.

Your therapist may recommend exercises, assistive devices, and lifestyle modifications, such as avoiding high-impact activities that may stress the new joint.

Conclusion

Hip arthroplasty is a safe and effective surgical technique that can alleviate hip joint pain, stiffness, and mobility issues caused by various factors, including aging, injuries, and diseases such as arthritis and avascular necrosis.

By replacing the damaged hip joint parts with an artificial joint, patients can regain their quality of life and resume their daily activities with less discomfort and limitations.