Hip Surgery: Everything you should know

Hip Surgery: Everything you should know

Hip pain or injury can be extremely difficult for people. It hampers mobility and affects the general quality of life of a patient. While minor problems can be managed with physical therapy and medication, many cases require surgical intervention. This can be especially scary for senior citizens, who are most affected by hip problems. 

Thankfully, with the advancement in medical & surgical technology, managing hip problems has become safer with minimum health risks. If you or your loved one have been suffering through this issue and have been advised surgery, it is important to understand what various surgical hip procedures entail. 

Hip Arthroscopy 

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to examine the hip joint. This is done via an arthroscope or a small flexible tube attached to a camera that is connected to a monitor. 

Arthroscopic hip procedures can successfully treat conditions previously unrecognized or only treatable by open procedures. Hip Arthroscopy is one of the most rapidly evolving arthroscopy techniques. It combines the benefits of a Minimally Invasive procedure and a short rehabilitation period. Improved instrumentation and technical skills have advanced our ability to accurately diagnose and treat various conditions. 

Total Hip Replacement 

Many senior citizens suffer from extreme pain or stiffness in the hip that can’t be managed with medications alone, leaving Total Hip Replacement surgery the only viable option. 

A Total Hip Replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged parts of your hip bone and replacing it with prosthetics. The end portion of the thighbone is replaced with a metal head that can be cemented with special glue to the stem of the thighbone or can be uncemented (in younger patients). The socket is replaced with a metallic cup and high-density plastic is used as an insert into it. The socket is usually left uncemented (screws are used to connect to the thighbone). The Total Hip Replacement procedure enables restoration of the natural gliding motion of the joint in patients.