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The surfaces of the femoral head and acetabulum are covered by
a special protective material called articular cartilage. A thick
fibrous joint capsule surrounds the hip and holds the synovial
fluid within the joint cavity. It also provides stability to the
joint. Smooth, pain-free motion depends upon healthy cartilage
and joint fluid, as well as the strength and flexibility of surrounding
ligaments and muscles.
Movement and activity are essential for maintaining the health
of cartilage and the synovial fluid dynamics. The hip is vulnerable
to ligament and cartilage damage from trauma such as a sports
injury, fall, or car accident. These injuries, the wear and
tear of normal aging, and the affect of genetics may develop into osteoarthritis. The hip
is also a common site for rheumatoid arthritis.
Joint diseases such as these may result in stiffness, swelling,
tenderness, and pain in the hip and knee. This causes difficulty
with performing even the simplest daily activities.
Your orthopaedic surgeon will evaluate your medical history, walking,
leg motion, and joint condition using examination skills and x-rays.
Your surgeon may recommend replacement of your hip joint with
artificial materials made from metal and plastic. This replacement
is called a hip joint prosthesis. It will allow you to regain
movement and will eliminate most pain.
Before surgery it may be beneficial to learn how to perform specific
exercises that will restore your joint to improved mobility. You
may also be taught how to use a walking aid which you will need
temporarily after surgery.
After surgery and an initial period of rest, a program of gradually
increasing physical activity will help to restore strength and
flexibility to your new hip. Specially designed stockings and
inflatable leg wraps may be used to maintain circulation in your
legs. The hip pain you had before surgery will be gone, but you
may have discomfort on stretching and pain at the surgery sites,
which will decrease and go away over time.
After your total hip replacement, some leg movement may be initially
limited. This will resolve over time as you become more comfortable
with your new hip. Temporary supportive devices such as a walker,
crutches, or a cane allow gradual weight increases on your new
hip, and assist in healing and control of pain. Essential in caring
for your new hip will be the use of a safe walking pattern and
self-help devices such as a raised toilet seat, a bath bench,
and reaching tools. These will be arranged for you. Temporary activity restrictions will be given
to you until the surrounding tissues heal.
A personal exercise program designed by your physician and physical
therapist will help to restore muscle balance and allow you to
walk more comfortably. Continuing exercises at home or an
outpatient physical therapy program for several months following
surgery will help you regain strength and independence. An active
lifestyle which includes water exercises, walking, or biking is
essential in maintaining movement of your joints and keeping you
and your new hip healthy.
Your new hip requires care and attention in your daily activities.
Avoid strenuous movements such as twisting, jumping, and running
which may damage your prosthesis.
Rehabilitation and increasing physical activity is the key to
maintaining your health and well-being. In time, it is possible
for you to restore yourself beyond your original expectations,
and with care, you can continue to enjoy a full and active life.
Preoperative Routine: You will be seen again approximately two weeks before the surgery for a preoperative examination
and to answer any questions you may still have. It will also be arranged for you to attend the
Total Joint Seminar. This is a very important meeting. You will have any and all questions
answered, you will be educated as to what to expect during your hospitalization, and arrangements
will be made for your care after leaving the hospital, especially if you do not have someone to
care for you at home. The seminar is provided to ensure that all goes well not only in the hospital,
but afterward as well.
Hospital Stay:
The surgery will take about 1-2 hours and you will be in the recovery room for about the same
lenght of time. Most patients are in the hospital for 3 days. After that, either you will be
sent home with appropriate arrangements for care there, or you will need a short stay at a
skilled nursing facility before going home.
Post-operative Recovery: Most of Dr. Levy's total hip patients are on crutches or a walker for the first 2-4 weeks after surgery. After that, most use a cane for the next 1-2 months or until they feel they do not need it anymore. |
Normal function of the hip joint is important in daily activities
such as standing, walking, and running. This joint is formed by
the ball-shaped top of the thigh bone (femur) and the cup-shaped
socket of the pelvis (acetabulum). This ball and socket arrangement
provides freedom of movement in several directions.