Total Hip Replacement (THR)
Introduction
Total Hip Replacement, short for THR, is a medical surgical procedure aimed at restoring movement and eliminating pain in patients with extreme damage to the hip joint. Doctors generally recommend it for patients suffering from arthritis, fractures, or other degenerative joint diseases that have become debilitating enough to disrupt daily activities. This article will give an overview of THR: the different types, procedures, benefits, risks, costs and recovery.
What is Total Hip Replacement?
A total hip replacement, also called hip arthroplasty, is the surgical replacement of a damaged hip joint with an artificial one. Its goal is to eliminate pain, restore joint function, and improve an individual’s quality of life.
Why is Total Hip Replacement Needed?
THR is indicated in patients with the following conditions:
- Chronic hip pain that interferes with daily activities
- Severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Traumatic or osteoporotic hip fractures
- Joint deformity or limitation of movement
- Failure of previous hip surgery
Types of Artificial hip joint implantation
- Cemented Hip Replacement: A special bone cement bonds the prosthetic parts.
- Uncemented Hip Replacement: The engineers design the prosthetic parts to enable natural bone ingrowth for fixation.
- Hybrid Hip Replacement: A combination of both cemented and uncemented parts.
Procedure Steps
THR is given under general or spinal anesthesia and includes the following steps:
- The surgeon incises to access the hip joint.
- The surgeon removes the damaged femoral head and replaces it with a prosthetic ball.
- The surgeon cleans and replaces the damaged acetabulum with a prosthetic cup.
- The surgical team fixes the new joint components in place.
- The surgeon closes the incision, and the staff transfers the patient to the recovery room.
Benefits of Total Hip Replacement
- Reduced pain and mobility improvements
- Quality of life and functionality are boosted to enable normal daily activities
- Long-term results with proper care
- High success rates and enhanced joint function
Cost of Total Hip Replacement
- India: $4,000 – $6,000
- USA: $25,000 – $50,000
- UK: $15,000 – $25,000
- Thailand: $8,000 – $12,000
Best Hospitals for Total Hip Replacement in India
These are some of the best private hospitals in India offering THR:
- Metro Hospital Faridabad
- Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi
- Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
- Max Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi
- Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
Risk and Complications
As THR is considered a safe procedure, some risk factors and complications faced include:
- The development of infection or blood clots
- Implant loosening or dislocation
- Nerve damage or leg length discrepancy
- Joint stiffness or allergic reaction to implant materials
Recovery After Hip joint replacement surgery
Recovery after THR typically takes 6–12 weeks. Important recovery tips include:
- Engaging in physical therapy for strength and flexibility
- Avoiding excessive hip bending and twisting
- Using assistive devices like walkers or crutches initially
- Maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prolong implant life
- Regular follow-ups with the surgeon for assessment
Conclusion
Total Hip Replacement is a life-changing procedure that can improve mobility significantly and reduce chronic pain. High success rates, along with advanced medical care, make it a reliable solution for individuals suffering from severe hip joint conditions. It is advisable to consult an experienced orthopedic surgeon to decide on the best approach for recovery.
