Surgeries – Hip and Knee
HIP
Total hip replacement
The hip joint is also referred to as a ball and socket joint and is kept in place by muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The ball is the femoral head, which is the upper end of the femur (thighbone). The socket is the acetabulum, which is part of the pelvis bone. Both the femoral head and the acetabulum are covered with articular cartilage, a smooth substance that cushions the bone surfaces and enables them to move easily.
What is total hip replacement surgery?
Hip replacement, also called hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which damaged parts of your hip are removed and replaced with artificial implants (prostheses) made of metal and plastic.
Why is the surgery done?
Surgery might be an option if you have pain and limited hip function that interfere with daily activities and nonsurgical treatments are no longer effective. The most common reason for having a hip replacement is joint damage by osteoarthritis.
What happens during total hip replacement surgery?
During hip replacement surgery, the doctor will make an incision to access your hip in order to remove damaged acetabulum cartilage and femoral head. After that, the surgeon will place the artificial implants made of a combination of metal, plastic, and/or ceramic. The correct position is checked through an x-ray and the incision is closed. Dressings are applied.
What is the recovery process after total hip replacement surgery?
You will be encouraged to walk with an assistive device soon after surgery and will be expected to use it for about 4-8 weeks. For most patients’ physiotherapy can begin after the first postoperative visit and it can last about 2 or 3 months. Usually, daily activities are resumed within 3 months. However, it may take 4-8 months to fully recover.
Can you do normal activities after total hip arthroplasty surgery?
In general, low-impact activities such as golfing, dancing, biking, swimming, and walking are recommended after rehabilitation. On the other hand, running, jogging, heavy lifting and sports that involve twisting/pivoting should be avoided.
KNEE
Total knee replacement
The knee is the largest joint in the body and is made up of three bones, the lower end of the femur (thigh bone), the upper part of the tibia (shin bone) and the patella (kneecap). The surfaces where these bones meet are covered by articular cartilage, a smooth substance that cushions the bone surfaces and enables them to move easily. Damage to the articular cartilage can lead to pain and limited knee function.
What is total knee replacement surgery?
Total knee replacement, also called total knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which damaged articular cartilage and adjacent bone are removed and replaced with artificial parts made of metal and plastic.
Why is the surgery done?
The most common reason for surgery is to reduce patients’ pain. It is also performed to help patients with limited knee function which usually leads to improvement in activities such as walking or climbing stairs.
What happens during knee replacement surgery?
In a summarized way, the surgeon makes an incision (cut) in the knee area and removes damaged bone and cartilage at the end of the femur (thigh-bone) and top of the tibia (shin-bone) and replaces them with prosthetic components (implants) made of metal and plastic. Right after the implants are placed an x-ray is taken to ensure the correct position. The incision is closed, and a bandage is applied.
What is the recovery process after knee replacement surgery?
Patients are encouraged to begin ambulation right after surgery, with the aid of an assistive device. The recovery period is different for each individual, but in general, patients resume daily activities in 3 to 4 months. Physiotherapy starts after the first postoperative visit and lasts 6-10 weeks for most people. It takes something around 6-12 months to fully recover.
What are normal activities following knee replacement surgery?
After proper rehabilitation, low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, cycling, water aerobics, dancing and golfing are recommended. However, patients should avoid jogging/running, contact sports, heavy lifting and sports that require twisting/pivoting.