Orthopedics:
Hip Replacement
General description
Hip replacement is a surgical orthopedic procedure to change articulation using an artificial device (prosthesis). Surgical treatment enables the restoration of joint movement.
All patients who undergo hip replacement must be aware of pre and post-surgery requirements.
Pre-surgery requirements
* Full medical check-up
* Pre-surgery planning consultation and X-ray
* Blood reserve
Benefits
This orthopedic surgery is generally performed on older patients. It is not recommended for younger ones because of the tension the artificial hip receives.
Some reasons to consider hip replacement are:
* Pain that does not respond to traditional treatment (AINE non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs following six or more months)
* Osteoarthritis or hip arthritis diagnosed through radiography
* Incapacity to work, sleep or move due to pain
* Loose hip prosthesis
* Hip fracture
* Tumors in the hip
This surgery is not recommended for the following:
* Current hip infection
* Lack of tissue covering the hip
* Quad muscle paralysis
* Severe disease of the blood vessels in the leg and feet (Peripheral Vascular Disease)
* Nervous disease (neuropathy) that affects the hip
* Severe mental dysfunction
* Serious physical condition (terminal disease, metastasis)
* Morbid obesity (over 136 k or 300 pounds)
Technical description
Hospitalization – Orthopedic surgery to perform hip replacement requires a hospital stay of 3 days.
Time – Surgery takes approximately 3 hours.
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