One of the most common surgeries is also one of the most misunderstood. Patients who undergo hip replacement surgery often feel confused about what to expect, how long the recovery will take, and what exactly they can do to get back to their normal lives. But information is essential to feel rested and relieve anxiety. It is also important before any medical procedure if you want to take an active role in your recovery.
Patients should understand that hip replacement surgery is a major procedure, and preparation is fundamental. Doctors need to evaluate patients very carefully, and patients should have a complete understanding of the surgery and the risks involved. You shouldn’t know the ins and outs of hip replacement surgery but should be aware at least of the basics of the procedure and how to prepare for it.
But if you went through social media for information about hip replacement surgery, you probably read a lot of posts out there from patients and articles written by people who have never had the procedure themselves or were never involved in one. That’s why we’ve put together this overview guide to help patients understand what they need to know about this surgery. We also have ready for you another article that explains what to expect after the operation and how long it takes to recover.
For now, let’s start with a few questions that will help you get ready for surgery.
What is a hip replacement?
Hip replacement is a surgical procedure used to repair or replace the hip joint. The hip joint is the point where the thigh bone (femur) and the pelvis bone meet. Hip replacement surgery is done when the cartilage that cushions the hip joint becomes worn and damaged due to age, injury, or disease. It is also recommended after a hip fracture, and similar problems compromise the joint’s integrity.
Hip replacements are used to relieve pain and restore the function of the hip in serious musculoskeletal problems. It is a common operation performed approximately 330,000 times annually in the United States alone. Hip replacements are usually performed under general anesthetic and can be done in an outpatient clinic or a hospital setting.