Total Hip replacement is a common surgical procedure for longterm causes of joint pain. It can The aims of surgery are to improve quality of life and decrease pain. Many people are unaware of how long recovery will take or what is involved.
The hip joint consists of the head of femur (thigh bone) which is a ball shape, and the acetabulum in the pelvis which is known as a socket. This is called a ball and socket joint. A THR (total hip replacement) is a surgical procedure where the head of the femur and the acetabulum are replaced with a metallic prosthetics that replicate the function of the joint.
The causes for THR are osteoarthritis (which accounted for 90% of procedure in the UK in 2017). Osteoarthritis is a painful degenerative condition, characterised by structural changes to the whole joint; osteophytes, synovial inflammation, subchondral bone changes, muscle weakness and ligament laxity. Osteoarthritis is not just wear and tear of the joint.
So, when does someone end up with an elective hip replacement? This surgical procedure is reserved for patients with severe disease, those in moderate to severe pain. Functionally they re limited, they may have difficulty standing, walking any kind of distance, unable to put their shoes or socks on. The person’s quality of life is greatly reduced.
For those patients who do receive a THR a physiotherapist will be involved in your care from day 1 after your operation right through to 6-12 weeks post operatively. The physiotherapist’s main aim is for you to have a smooth recovery, a good, safe gait (walking) pattern, to gain strength again and for you to return to regular exercise and activities of daily living that previously were difficult due to your hip pain.
Should you require prehabilitation (exercises and advice pre-operatively) in order to improve your post-operative recovery and results. Or if you need rehabilitation after your surgery please do give contact our practice to discuss your needs 01245 377118.
