Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement is the process where the hip joints are removed and replaced through surgery. Mainly, the hip joints are removed from the part that connects the pelvis and the femur bone. The main reason to perform this surgery is to get relief from hip pain caused by hip arthritis, any injury, any hip deformity or abnormal growth of the hip.

While this was the meaning of a hip replacement surgery, let us take a deeper dive into the other details of hip replacement surgery.

Types of Hip Replacement Surgery

Usually, there are three significant types of hip replacement surgery.

• Total hip replacement (most common hip replacement surgery)
• Partial hip replacement (done for specific injuries)
• Hip resurfacing (done for particular age groups)

Total Hip Replacement

This is the most common type of hip replacement surgery, also known as total hip arthroplasty. In this type, the damaged sections of the hip joint are usually removed surgically and wholly replaced with artificial implants or prosthetics. The hip socket is replaced with a plastic cup of immense durability. This plastic cup is also plated with a titanium shell in some instances. The femoral head part is removed and replaced with a ball-like thing usually made from metal alloys or ceramics. Finally, the new metal ball is attached to a stem made up of metal. This stem is inserted into the femur socket present on the top of the femur bone.

Partial Hip Replacement

This is a less common type of hip surgery, also known as hemiarthroplasty. In this type, only one side of the hip is replaced instead of both sides, which would constitute a total hip replacement. In this type, only the femoral head of one side is replaced. Partial hip replacement surgery is usually done for older patients who have somehow fractured their hip bone or joint.

Hip Resurfacing

This type of surgery where the femoral bone and its subsequent socket are resurfaced instead of complete replacement. This is usually done in active and young patients.

Methods of Hip Replacement Surgery

Usually, there are two standard hip replacement surgeries performed by the doctors depending upon the extent of the pain. These two methods are generally implemented for total hip replacement surgery.

• The posterior method.
• The anterior method or the hip-sparing replacement.

What are the Implants Made of?

Hip implants usually have three types: the steam, the ball and the socket.

• The stem is usually made up of metals like titanium or cobalt and chrome alloy. It is inserted into the femur bone.
• The ball is made of a ceramic material or a polished, solid metal. It fits on the top of the stem and connects the hip joint to the femur bone
• The ball is usually a plastic cap. The plastic liner is fitted with a cobalt chrome alloy or a titanium cover for better durability in the balls.

Advantages of Hip Replacement Surgery

Here are some of the advantages of replacing the hip through a surgery

• The pain in the hip is relieved after the surgery is done, and complete recovery is made.
• Improves the overall quality of life.
• The mobility is maintained and improved after the damaged joints are replaced.
• It provides long-term benefits and maintains overall health.

Risks of Hip Replacement Surgery

With every surgery, there are side effects and risks. Here are some of the most common complications or risks with hip replacement surgery.

• Further fractures and discomfort
• Infections and rashes
• Blood clots and excessive bleeding at times
• Damage to the attached nerves
• Different lengths for the legs due to direct interaction with the femur bone

Top Companies that make Hip Replacement Surgery Devices

Here we have listed some of the top hip prosthesis manufacturers who provide quality goods and devices for hip replacement surgery patients.

• Zimmer Biomet
• DePuy Synthes Orthopedics undertaken by Johnson and Johnson
• Stryker Orthopedics
• Smith and Nephew Inc.
• Wright Medical Group