Hip Replacement Surgery For You In Asheboro Nc

Total hip replacement surgery replaces damaged cartilage with new joint material, or it may replace the upper end of the thighbone with a metal ball and resurface the hip socket with a metal shell and plastic liner.

Orthopedic surgeons recommend hip replacement surgery when medicines and other treatments do not eliminate hip pain, and loss of function has become severe and debilitating. Your orthopedic surgeon will use X-rays to determine how much damage there is to bone and cartilage, and also to be sure the pain cannot be attributed to another condition. General anesthesia is generally used for hip replacement surgery.

Total hip replacement may not be recommended for some people. They may include those with:
o poor general health
o an active infection
o osteoporosis
o employment in heavy labor or physically demanding activity
o obesity

You orthopedic surgeon may request that you begin taking antibiotics prior to surgery, to fend off the risk of infection. Because of the danger of infection spreading to the body with oral surgery, your orthopedic surgeon will likely instruct you to undergo any necessary dental procedures before your hip replacement surgery. Infections can spread from other parts of your body to the artificial joint and cause a serious problem

Why have hip replacement surgery?
Daily activities will be easier and pain-free. How pleased would you be to have these activities returned to you?
o climbing stairs
o getting in and out of the car
o walking without tiring
o walking without a limp
o taking care of your own feet

After hip replacement surgery, you can probably resume activities you long ago gave up, such as golfing, biking, swimming, and even dancing! Your orthopedic surgeon or sports medicine doctor may suggest you refrain from strenuous exercises that put stress on your new hip joint, such as running or playing tennis.

How long will my new hip last?
Most artificial hip joints last for 10 to 20 years without loosening, depending on several important factors:
o your lifestyle
o how much stress you put on your hip joint
o how well your new joints and bones mend.
o how much you weigh

Being overweight exerts 3 pounds of stress to the hip for every pound of body weight!

After hip replacement surgery:
You will likely receive IV antibiotics for a day or so after surgery to fend off infection, pain medication, and perhaps anticoagulants. You may feel constipated or have an upset stomach after surgery. Your sports medicine doctor or orthopedic surgeon will teach you breathing exercises to prevent your lungs from getting congested while you recover. You may also be instructed how encourage healthy blood circulation. You may be given a cushion to place between your legs, and shown how to get in and out of bed in order to keep your new hip in proper position.

After the first few days your pain medication will be decreased, but anticoagulants may be continued for several weeks until your orthopedic surgeon feels your risk of blood clot is sufficiently diminished.

A few days after surgery, your physical therapist will help you use a walker or crutches, and teach you how to exercise, walk and do self-care activities while allowing your hip joint to heal. Most people go home within a few days after surgery, although some post-surgical patients may spend some time in a rehabilitation center. This often is the case for people who have no help at home. Total rehabilitation can take as long as six months.

Even with physical therapy, you will still learn new exercises to do at home. You will perhaps be instructed to walk several times a day. An icepack is good for soreness and you may need to decrease the duration of your walks for a short while, but the most important thing is to continue exercising. Staying with the programs of walking and exercising will help speed your recover. The worst thin you can do is nothing.

Hip replacement surgery may be the answer to your pain. For more information, contact the orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine doctors in Asheboro NC today.