6 Facts You Should Know About Hip Replacement
The joints which get affected by the disease or get damaged due to accident and start affecting the life of the patient drastically are the knee and hip joints. In earlier times, when the medical science had not progressed that well and technological advancements in surgical procedures had not reached today’s level, the only option available to the patients was to keep suppressing the pain with the help of some painkillers and some exercises. But today the joint replacement therapies have become routine surgical procedures and are conducted quite commonly across the globe. Studies have shown that in majority of the patients there is lesser pain and more mobility post-surgery, but the results would always vary depending upon many factors. One must know the following facts before taking the plunge.
- Unbearable Pain in Routine Activities
There could be many reasons which may compel the patient to opt for the surgery. The doctor may decide about the surgery if the patient is having severe pain in performing the routine activities like walking, climbing the stairs getting up from the bed or chair etc. particularly if the pain has been persisting for more than six months.
- Damage to the Bones
The other reason which may compel the surgeon to go for surgery is the severe damage to the joint due to accident or osteoarthritis or any other such problem. This damaged is assessed with the help of the x-rays and other imaging techniques. Because of the conditions of the joints, there could be a deformity in the lower extremities of the body which need correction.
- Failure of Alternative Treatments
A doctor, in most likelihood, would try to resolve the problem of the patient with non-invasive methods of treatment. The decision of surgery or hip replacement has to be taken when the patient doesn’t get relief with the help of medication and exercises.
- The Reasons for Avoiding Surgery
There could be numerous reasons because of which the surgery should be avoided temporarily or it may not be right answer for the patient at all. If there is a recent history of any kind of infection in the body, the surgery must be postponed because it can lead to failure of procedure because of spread of infection to the operated area. A patient with uncontrolled diabetes or with a history of stroke or heart disease may have more complications post-surgery.
- Cost Involved is Pretty High
One must keep in mind the cost of hip replacement procedure while taking the decision for the same as the surgical procedure as well as the implants used in the surgery is quite expensive. Even the after care needs good amount of money.
- The Role of the Patient is Most Important
But the final outcome still depends only 10% on the surgeon, 10% on the procedure and 10% on the physiotherapist. The rest of it depends on the patient. Post-surgery if the patient doesn’t work on getting better, nothing much is going to change.