Single, Total Hip Replacement

Blausen 0488 HipAnatomy.png

Total hip replacement is a common orthopedic procedure among aging populations. During a hip replacement surgery, the damaged bone is cut and removed, along with some soft tissues. Metal and ceramic pieces are then implanted.

What is it?

A total hip replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged ball and socket of a hip joint with an artificial one. The artificial joint can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. This procedure is needed for someone with severe arthritis in the hip joint, fractures of the hip joint, rheumatoid arthritis, or death of the hip bone.

What should I do to prepare?

Prior to a single total hip replacement, a patient should consult his or her doctor about current medication plans and address adjustments that need to be made before surgery. If the patient takes any blood thinners, he or she should stop at least a week before surgery. Patients cannot eat or drink anything during the night before surgery. Patients should also make transportation accommodations to return home after completion of the surgery. Finally, hip replacement patients typically donate blood because there is a significant amount of blood lost during this procedure.

What happens during the process?

Before a single total hip replacement, a patient should consult his or her doctor about current medication plans and address adjustments that need to be made before surgery. If the patient takes any blood thinners, he or she should stop at least a week before surgery. Patients cannot eat or drink anything during the night before surgery. Patients should also make transportation accommodations to return home after completion of the surgery. Finally, hip replacement patients typically donate blood because there is a significant amount of blood lost during this procedure.

What are the risks and potential complications?

Despite major advancements in the procedure technique, there are still risks associated with a single total hip replacement surgery. Risks include, but are not limited to:

  • Blood clotting
  • Infection
  • Bleeding
  • Negative effect of anesthesia
  • Legs with different lengths
  • Dislocation
  • Nerve injury

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Image Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Hip#/media/File:Blausen_0488_HipAnatomy.png