Srikara Hospitals - Patient Testimonial

DR. KIRTHI PALADUGU ARTICLE IN TIMES OF INDIA - SRIKARA HOSPITALS

DR. KIRTHI PALADUGU ARTICLE IN TIMES OF INDIA  SRIKARA HOSPITALS

Hip Joint is the largest and the most stable joint in the human body. It is the largest ball socket joint. Socket - cup formed by the Acetabulum, which is the part of pelvic bone and the ball is formed by the upper end of the thigh bone (Femur). The ligaments and the hip provide stability, acting in coordination during each and every degree of mobility in our day to day activities.

Common Causes Of Hip Pain  

OSTEOARTHRITIS : Age related wear and tear seen in people of 50 years and beyond where bones rub against each other causing pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid ARTHRITIS : An autoimmune disease in which the synoviuim in  the joint destroys the cartilage. It is also termed as Inflammatory Arthritis.

AVASUCLAR  NECROSIS  (AVN) Any  injury to the hip, previous dislocation, childhood disease, long term use of steroids smoking and alcoholism may result in lack of blood supply, leading to the collapse, deformation and arthritis of the Hip.

Past traumatic arthritis :  Any major  injury to the hip followed  by surgery  and its failure can lead to arthritis causing pain and deformity.

Total Hip Replacement :

In Total Hip Replacement surgery, the damaged bone and cartilage is removed and replaced with prosthetic components.

The damaged femoral head is removed and replaced with a metallic stem that is placed in to the hollow center of the femur, can be either Cemented or Press fit.

A metal or ceramic ball is placed on the upper part of the stem.

The damaged cartilage surface of the socket (Acetabulum) is removed and replaced with metal socket and a Plastic or Ceramic liner is inserted between the new ball and the Socket, to allow for a smooth gliding surface.

Is Hip Replacement For You?

The decision to undergo hip replacement is made by you, your family and the treating Joint Replacement surgeon.

Candidates for surgery

There is no age or weight restrictions for Hip replacement and is based on patient pain & Disability.

When is Surgery Recommended ?

• Hip pain that limits everyday activities like walking stairs, bending etc.
• Pain at rest – day or night
• Stiffness
• Inadequate relief from medication, physiotherapy and walking aids.

Surgeon Evaluation

Medical history of the patient is first checked. Physical examination includes hip mobility, pain score strength alignment. X-rays show degeneration/deformation while MRI is helpful in soft tissues condition and early stages of AVN.

Realistic Expectations

Most patients who undergo Hip replacements experience dramatic pain relief and improvement in the ability to perform daily activities. With aging, the prosthesis, material between the head & the socket (liner) begins to wear. Patients can do unlimited Walking, swimming, driving, biking, stairs & low impact sports. With appropriate activity and lifestyle modification, hip replacements can last for years.

Surgical Protocol

Once the need for surgery has been decided, the patient will undergo a set of surgical profile, medical /cardiology clearance and pre anesthetic evaluation. The implant to be used will be chosen according to the patient requirements and is based on the quality and strength of the bone.

Patient will be staying in the hospital for 2-3 days initially for pain management. Wound heals after approximately 2 weeks of surgery.

Post Operative Care

There has to be a graduated walking program followed by normal activities such as sitting, standing and climbing stairs in 3-4 weeks, can be back to work, driving and all in 4-6 weeks.

Possible Complications of Surgery

The rate of complications in hip replacements in as low as 2% world wide. These include infections, blood cots, limb length inequality, dislocation etc, all mentioned do have treatment protocols and with the advent of Dual Mobility cups  the chances of dislocation has been rare.

Hip replacement in a boon for the patients with severe hip pains impacting the day to day activity. The success of the surgery is based on the selection of the patient, education of the patient before and after surgery, necessary evaluation and right expert intervention.

We believe in

MOBILITY IS/FOR LIFE.