Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgery is a common surgical procedure for individuals experiencing hip joint problems. This surgery is performed to relieve pain and restricted movement in the hip joint. It is typically chosen when the hip joint is severely damaged due to degenerative diseases, post-traumatic injuries, or other medical conditions.

Preoperative Period: This period involves a detailed evaluation of the patient's overall health and hip joint. This assessment may include a series of tests to determine whether the patient is suitable for surgery.

What is a Hip Prosthesis?

A hip prosthesis is a surgical method used to alleviate pain and restricted movement in the hip joint. The hip joint is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the pelvic bone and plays a critical role in the body's mobility.

However, over time, the hip joint can be damaged due to aging, degenerative diseases, trauma, or other medical conditions. In such cases, individuals may experience severe pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. In these situations, hip replacement surgery becomes an option.

During the hip replacement surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged or worn-out joint and replaces it with an artificial prosthesis. The prosthesis can be made from titanium, polyethylene, and other durable materials and can be customized to fit the individual's anatomy. This prosthesis is designed to provide mobility to the hip joint.

Who is Suitable for Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is generally suitable for:

• Hip Pain and Restricted Movement: Individuals experiencing hip joint pain and restricted movement, particularly those facing severe pain that affects daily activities, may be candidates for hip replacement surgery.
• Osteoarthritis: Hip osteoarthritis is characterized by the wear and damage of the hip cartilage. In this case, patients often experience severe pain, stiffness, and restricted movement, and hip replacement surgery can improve their quality of life.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can also damage the hip joint. In this condition, joint inflammation and damage may necessitate hip replacement surgery.
• Hip Fractures: Hip fractures resulting from traumatic injuries can cause significant damage to the hip joint. In such cases, hip replacement surgery can support healing and restore mobility.
• Bone Cancers or Other Serious Diseases: If the hip joint is damaged due to serious conditions like bone cancer or other medical issues, hip replacement surgery may be an option.
• Conditions Not Responding to Other Treatments: If hip pain and restricted movement do not respond to other treatments and significantly affect quality of life, hip replacement surgery may be considered.

However, every patient is different, and it is essential to have a detailed discussion with a doctor before surgery. The doctor evaluates the patient's condition and determines the appropriate treatment options.

How is Hip Replacement Surgery Performed?

Hip replacement surgery is typically performed by an orthopedic surgeon and involves the following steps:

1. Anesthesia: The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia, allowing the patient to sleep through the procedure without feeling pain.
2. Incision: The surgeon makes an incision in the hip area to access the hip joint. This incision is strategically placed to minimize scarring after the surgery.
3. Removal of Damaged Tissues: The surgeon carefully removes the damaged or worn-out tissues from the hip joint. This step is necessary to prepare the joint for the prosthesis.
4. Placement of the Prosthesis: The surgeon places a prosthesis of appropriate size and shape into the hip joint. The prosthesis can be made of titanium, polyethylene, or other durable materials and can be customized to fit the individual's anatomy.
5. Closing the Wound: After the prosthesis is placed, the surgeon carefully closes the incision using stitches or surgical bands to support healing.
6. Postoperative Care: After the surgery, the patient typically stays in the hospital for a few days, receiving intravenous fluids, pain management medications, and other necessary treatments. Physical therapists provide rehabilitation programs to enhance the patient's mobility.

The specifics of hip replacement surgery can vary depending on the surgeon's experience and the patient's condition. Each patient is unique, and before the surgery, the surgeon evaluates the patient's condition and determines the most suitable treatment plan. Cooperation between the patient and surgeon during the postoperative period is essential, and regular check-ups are necessary to ensure full recovery.

How Long Does Hip Replacement Surgery Take?

The duration of hip replacement surgery can vary depending on several factors. Typically, the surgery itself lasts between 1 to 2 hours. However, this duration can be influenced by factors such as the surgeon's experience, the patient's anatomical characteristics, the complexity of the surgery, and other medical factors.

For instance, in more complex cases or if the patient's overall health condition is more challenging, the surgery may take longer. Additionally, the techniques used by the surgeon and the type of prosthesis can also affect the duration.

Since the duration of surgery can vary based on the surgeon's plan and the patient's condition, the exact time is determined after an assessment made with the surgeon before the surgery.

Hip Replacement Specialist

As a hip replacement specialist, Prof. Dr. Çetin Işık is recognized for his expertise in hip joint issues. He has enhanced his knowledge and experience by performing hip replacement surgeries and conducting research over many years. Prof. Dr. Çetin Işık is also known for developing personalized treatment plans tailored to patients' needs, utilizing contemporary surgical techniques in hip replacement surgeries.

He provides comprehensive care to his patients, from preoperative evaluation to postoperative rehabilitation, and places great importance on their health. Prof. Dr. Çetin Işık is a nationally and internationally recognized authority in the field of hip replacement surgery and has helped many patients regain their health.

Risks of Hip Replacement Surgery

Like any surgical procedure, hip replacement surgery carries certain risks. These risks are generally known as rare complications. The risks associated with hip replacement surgery may include:

• Infection: As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of infection with hip replacement surgery. This applies to infections that may occur during the postoperative period. Surgeons pay attention to sterilization protocols and appropriate antibiotic treatments to reduce the risk of infection.
• Blood Clots: Blood clots can form in the postoperative period. This usually occurs when the patient begins to move or gets out of bed. Blood clots can be serious and may lead to pulmonary embolism or other complications.
• Prosthesis Dislocation or Loosening: Although rare, issues related to the prosthesis, such as dislocation or loosening, can occur. This condition can cause pain and may require additional surgical interventions.
• Nerve Damage: Nerve damage may occur during or after the surgery. This condition can lead to numbness, tingling, or loss of movement. However, these complications are rare.
• Bleeding: Bleeding may occur during or after the surgery. In such cases, additional surgical intervention may be required.
• Heterotopic Bone Formation: Sometimes, the body may form excess bone in the postoperative period. This condition can lead to restricted movement or additional pain.

These risks can vary for each patient and are assessed by the surgeon during the preoperative period. Surgeons inform patients about these risks and take appropriate precautions to minimize potential complications.

Types of Hip Prostheses

A hip prosthesis is an artificial joint used to treat hip joint problems. These prostheses can be made from different materials and designs. Here are some common types of hip prostheses:

• Total Hip Prosthesis: Total hip prosthesis is a surgical procedure that improves the quality of life due to hip joint problems. In this procedure, the damaged or painful hip joint is replaced with an artificial prosthesis. Total hip prosthesis restores mobility, reduces pain, and resolves joint issues. For detailed information, please visit our Total Hip Prosthesis page.

• Robotic Hip Prosthesis: Today, medical technology has made significant strides in improving patients' quality of life and optimizing recovery processes. Robotic hip prosthesis surgeries are revolutionary for those seeking solutions to hip joint problems. For detailed information, please visit our Robotic Hip Prosthesis page.

• Non-Shortening Hip Prosthesis: Non-shortening hip prosthesis, meaning "not shortened," is often referred to as "total hip prosthesis" or "complete hip prosthesis." This type of hip prosthesis involves a surgery that changes all joint surfaces and connection points of the hip. Non-shortening hip prosthesis aims to reconstruct the entire area, including the femoral head at the top of the thigh and the acetabulum in the pelvis. For detailed information, please visit our Non-Shortening Hip Prosthesis page.

• Revision Hip Prosthesis: Revision hip prosthesis surgery is performed when a previously placed hip prosthesis needs to be replaced or corrected. This surgery may be necessary due to problems or complications related to the initially placed hip prosthesis. For detailed information, please visit our Revision Hip Prosthesis page.

• Hip Prosthesis in Case of Dislocation: In cases of hip dislocation, hip prosthesis is a treatment method used to correct the dislocated condition and restore normal joint function.