 |
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Hip resurfacingPublished by BUPA's health information team, healthinfo@bupa.com, March 2007. This factsheet is for people who are considering having a hip resurfacing operation. Your care may differ from what is described here because it is adapted to meet your individual needs.
Hip resurfacing procedure animationWhat's involved?As you grow older the cartilage in your hip joint can get worn away, making the joint painful and stiff. Hip resurfacing involves replacing the diseased or damaged surfaces in the hip joint (that is on top of the thigh bone and inside the socket of the hip bone) with metal surfaces. The operation is called metal on metal hip resurfacing. The operation is recommended if you are under 65 with advanced hip disease and would otherwise out live a conventional hip replacement operation. Less bone is removed for hip resurfacing, making it easier to repeat the operation or to have a further total hip joint replacement in later years. Hip resurfacing operation can help improve quality of life, however it is not suitable for everyone. What are the alternatives?Surgery is usually recommended only if non-surgical treatments, such as taking medicines to reduce pain and inflammation or using physical aids like a walking stick, do not help you. Preparing for your operationYour doctor will discuss how to prepare for your operation. For example, if you smoke you may be asked to quit, as smoking will increase your risk of getting a chest or wound infection and slow your recovery. What to expect in hospitalBefore surgery you will talk to your surgeon about the operation and you will be asked to sign a consent form. This confirms that you understand the risks, benefits and possible alternatives to the procedure and have given your permission for it to go ahead. You will be asked to consent to placing your name on the National Joint Register, which is used to follow up the safety, durability and effectiveness of resurfacing devices. If you are having a general anaesthetic, you will be asked to follow fasting instructions. Typically, you must not eat or drink for about six hours before a general anaesthetic. However, some anaesthetists allow occasional sips of water until two hours beforehand. The operationHip resurfacing is a major operation that usually takes up to two hours. The operation is usually performed under a general anaesthetic. This means that you will be asleep during the procedure and will feel no pain. It can also be done using epidural or spinal anaesthesia (a local anaesthetic injected into the lower back) that completely blocks feeling from the waist downward but you will be awake. Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your surgeon will make a cut (usually about 15 to 30cm long) over your hip and thigh. The length of the cut may be shorter depending on the technique your surgeon is using. The worn surfaces of the thigh bone and hip socket are carefully removed and covered with metal surfaces. Your surgeon will then close the wound with stitches or clips and cover it with a dressing. What to expect afterwardsYou will be given painkillers to help relieve any discomfort as the anaesthetic wears off. If you have an epidural anaesthetic, you may not be able to feel or move your legs for several hours after your operation. You won't have any pain either. A special pillow may be placed between your legs to hold the new joint still and help prevent dislocation. On the first day, you may have to wear special pads, attached to an intermittent compression pump, on your lower legs. The pump inflates the pads and encourages healthy blood flow in your legs and helps to prevent DVT. You may also have compression stockings on your legs. These help to maintain circulation. Starting from the day after your operation, a physiotherapist will usually visit daily to help you with exercises designed to help your recovery. People generally stay in hospital for around five days but you may need to stay for up to 10 days. After this time, you will be able to walk with sticks or crutches. Before going home, your nurse will give you advice about caring for your stitches, hygiene and bathing. After you return homeContinue to take your painkillers if you need to, as advised by your surgeon. You may be asked to continue wearing your compression stockings for a few weeks at home. They are difficult to put on and take off and you will need someone to help you with this. The exercises recommended by your physiotherapist are a crucial part of your recovery, so it's essential that you continue to do them. You will be able to move around your home and manage stairs. You will find some routine daily activities, such as shopping, difficult for a few weeks. You will need to ask for help. There are certain movements that you should not do in the first eight weeks. For example, you should not bend your hip more than a right angle or twist your hip inwards and outwards. Your physiotherapist will give you further advice and tips to protect your hip. Follow your surgeon's advice about driving and returning to work. Generally you shouldn't drive for at least six weeks. If your work involves a lot of standing or lifting, you may need to stay off for six to eight weeks. What are the risks?Hip resurfacing is a commonly performed and generally safe procedure. For most people, the benefits are far greater than the disadvantages. However, in order to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side-effects and the risk of complications. Side-effectsThese are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects of a successful procedure. After surgery, the area is likely to be uncomfortable for several weeks. There may also be some temporary pain and swelling in the knee and ankle. ComplicationsComplications are when problems occur during or after the procedure. Most people are not affected. The main complications of any operation are bleeding during or soon after the procedure, infection and an abnormal reaction to the anaesthetic. Some of the complications specific to a hip resurfacing surgery are listed below.
Ask your surgeon to explain how these risks apply to you. The exact risks will differ for every person. This is one of the reasons why we have not included statistics here. Further information
Sources
Related topicsThis information was published by BUPA's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by BUPA doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: March 2007. Expected review date: March 2009.
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![Print-friendly version [opens in a new window]](/images/icons/icn_printer.gif){kind=icon}
Folding walking stick - mobility aids from the Bupa Shop
|
|
|
||||
 |
 |
|||||
| ||||||
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|