Total Hip Replacement-U/L

Hip replacement surgery is a procedure in which the doctor removes the painful hip joint, and replaces it with an artificial joint often made from plastic and metal components. Usually, it is done when all other treatment options have failed to provide pain relief to the patient.

Why is Hip replacement surgery done?

Some conditions can damage the hip joint and create the need for hip replacement surgery. These are:

• Osteoarthritis: It is commonly known as wear-and-tear arthritis. It damages the slick cartilage that covers the ends of bones and is helpful for moving the joints smoothly.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An overactive immune system causes rheumatoid arthritis. It produces a type of inflammation that can erode slick cartilage and occasionally underlying bone, resulting in deformed and damaged joints.
• Osteonecrosis: If there is an inadequate blood supply to the ball portion of the hip joint, the bone may collapse and deform.

A hip replacement is considered if the patient is experiencing hip pain:

• Despite the pain medication, the pain persists
• Worsens with walking, even with a walker or cane
• Interferes with your sleep
• Affects your ability to climb stairs
• Difficult to rise from a seated position

Hip Replacement Surgery Procedure

Hip replacement surgery can be performed traditionally or by using a minimally-invasive technique. The only difference between the two procedures is the size of the incision made to perform surgery.

During the Procedure

The hip replacement surgery procedure takes a few hours & is performed under general anaesthesia. In the surgery, a damaged bone and cartilage are removed, and then new plastic, ceramic, or metal implants are used to restore the alignment and function of the hip.

• An incision is made along the side of the hip and muscles are moved to connect them to the top of the thigh bone that exposes the hip joint.
• Then, the ball portion of the hip joint is removed by cutting the thigh bone with a saw.
• After this, an artificial joint made with metal, plastic or ceramic is attached to the thigh bone using cement or any other special material that allows the remaining bone to attach to the new joint.
• The surface of the hipbone is prepared by removing any damaged cartilage, and the replacement socket part is attached to the hipbone.
• The new ball is then inserted into the socket part of the hip. The doctor then reconnects the muscles and closes the incision.

While most of the hip replacement surgeries today are performed using the standard technique that includes one 8-10 inch cut along the side of the hip. in recent years, doctors are also using a minimally-invasive technique. In the minimally-invasive approach, the doctor makes one to two cuts of 2 to 5 inches long. However, both surgeries are performed with the same procedure. The small cuts are thought to ease pain following surgery, lessen blood loss, shorter hospital stays, speed healing and reduce scar appearance.

After the Surgery

• The patient is likely to stay in the hospital for 4-6 days, and a wedge-shaped cushion will likely be placed between the legs of the patient to keep the new hip joint in place.
• A drainage tube will likely be placed in the bladder for urination.
• Physical therapy begins the day after surgery, and within days, the patient can walk with a cane, walker, or crutches.

Tests and Diagnosis for Hip Replacement

A medical history and physical examination of the patient are done. An X-ray is done to diagnose the characteristic features such as spurring of the joint margins and narrowing of the joint.

Cost of Hip Replacement surgery

The cost of Unilateral Hip Replacement Surgery in India varies from USD 5500 to USD 8000, while the cost for Bilateral Hip Replacement Surgery ranges from USD 7500 to USD 12500.

However, the cost of surgery may be affected by the following factors:

• The hospital patient is opting for.
• Type of Room: Standard single, deluxe or super deluxe room for the number of nights specified (including meals, nursing fee, room rate, and room service).
• Operating room, ICU
• Fee for the team of doctors (Anesthetist, Surgeons, Physiotherapist, Dietician)
• Medicines
• Physiotherapy session
• Depend on the treatment options
  • Single hip/both
  • Implant being used
  • Standard test and diagnostic procedures

No. of days required

• Total number of days: 22
• Days in Hospital: 8