Hip is the largest joint in the human body whose role is to maintain balance and keep constant symmetry of the body. With help of it, all complex movement of legs and body are performed. It enables movements of all three main axes (sagital, longitudinal and transverse). It is limited with strict connections that enables stability and is permeated with blood vessels and nerves that makes it sensitive. It also supports weight and balance of the body in statistic and dynamical position and protects internal organs.
Regardless of the high stability and firmness, hip joint is susceptible to damages and injuries. Hip fractures and other injuries are most often in elderly people, but it is possible that very young people have problems that as only solution have hip surgery.
Hip pain
If hip pain is intensive, chronic pain that becomes stronger, especially during stair climbing and the movements are becoming more and more limited, it is time to consider total hip replacement surgery. The pain will not become weaker over time, on the contrary, it will also occur when sitting and lying down. In recent times, the prosthesis of the hip is embedded in all persons with chronic hips pain.
Hip Arthrosis
Hip arthrosis (cocaarthrosis) is a progressive disease in which degenerative changes of the cartilage occur on the bone surface of the hip. Then there are severe pain in the hip, which are initially expressed in movements, and later in resting. The first symptom is pain in the groin at walking and leg support, and pain in the knee is possible. Arthrosis causes a significant decline in the quality of life of the patient, as hip mobility decreases. Treatment is performed operatively, by installing an artificial hip.
Hip surgery – total hip replacement
Total replacement surgery is often the only option for treating the illness and injury of this joint. New techniques used and new types of materials have increased resistance lasting over twenty years. They also significantly reduced the duration of surgery and postoperative recovery. Among the most common indications for surgery are arthrosis, rheumatism, osteoporosis, developmental hip disorder, which occurs at birth and various injuries.
In Atlas General Hospital, we use cemented and uncemented prosthesis depending on the age of the patient and the condition of the joint that is being operated. Uncemented prosthesis are used in patients who are under sixty-five years old and have a preserved bone structure, while cement is used in elderly patients. New types of biomaterials enable faster recovery and longer-lasting results of the operation.
Preparation prior to surgery includes physical examination, EKG, X ray of lungs, blood and kidney and liver function analysis, as well as acquaintance with the history of the disease. The operation is performed in general anesthesia and lasts for an hour and a half to three hours, depending on the condition of the patient. During the intervention, the head of the bone and the cup is replaced. After surgery, the patient carries out an intensive care for some time, and after placement in the apartment, he moves with rehabilitation with the help of a physiotherapist.
Recovery and duration of prosthesis
The patient is suggested that shortly after surgery he begins to tighten his leg muscles, in order to speed up his recovery. Getting out of bed with the help of the aids is practiced the day after the intervention. It is recommended that for several weeks the patient does not place the hip in the 90 degree position, which means that it is necessary to adjust a large number of everyday actions. Crossing the leg is also not advisable over a long period of time. For the first few weeks the patient should lie on his back without turning to the side.
In order to last longer and function smoothly for implanted prosthesis it is necessary to follow the recommended behavioral rules in the recovery period. Patients should be active and not burdening the hip with overweight. Life with artificial hip prosthesis after recovery is the same as before surgery. Patients do not feel they have an implant in body. Young people with artificial hip even return to sports.
In the Atlas General Hospital, the patient who wears artificial hip in accordance with individual needs, using the latest methods and materials. Patients recover quickly and surgery remains in their memory as one great relief. For all questions, schedule consultations with our orthopedic traumatologists at +381 11 785 88 88 and permanently resolve the problem with the pain.
