When you have reached the stage where hip surgery becomes necessary to alleviate your discomfort, it is likely that you want to be well-informed of your available options by seeing a hip specialist. Read on to learn more about the associated benefits and risks, so you can evaluate whether a hip replacement is right for you.
You might be thinking to yourself, should I have a hip replacement? An arthritic hip can impact all facets of your life, so it’s an important decision and the question of ‘Should I have a hip replacement’ is a significant one. Successful surgery seeks to ease hip pain and can provide immediate and significant benefits, including improved quality of life. Patients often witness improvements with:
Pain Relief – This is a key benefit and one of the main reasons for hip replacement surgery, with many patients experiencing significant relief following the surgery.
Improved Mobility and Range of Motion – Patients regain the ability to partake in daily activities without the previous limitations experienced. For instance, tasks that you previously struggled with, like walking up and down stairs become much easier and can be undertaken without the need for aid.
Long-Lasting Results – With an excellent success rate, total hip replacement stands as one of the most successful procedures in modern medicine. Studies show that after 20 years, the success rate of hip replacements is 85-95%.
Quality of Life – The physical benefits also impact a person’s mental well-being. With improved mobility, a patient can feel more independent.
In essence, you can reclaim aspects of your life that may have been absent for an extended period. Restoring your independence becomes attainable and, in most instances, your overall well being significantly improves as the pain that you contented with for so long will be significantly reduced or even relieved entirely.
Should I Have A Hip Replacement
You might be wondering, is it worth getting hip surgery? While total hip replacement is widely recognised as a safe surgical procedure, it is crucial for patients to be well-informed about the potential risks prior to undergoing the operation. These include:
Possible Infection – A small percentage of patients undergoing surgery, approximately 1%, may develop an infection around the hip replacement area. This complication may necessitate additional surgical procedures and extended courses of antibiotics for effective treatment.
Potential for Leg Length Discrepancy – Following a hip replacement surgery, there is a possibility of experiencing a difference in leg length, resulting in a sensation of one leg being either longer or shorter than the other. While surgeons endeavour to achieve equality in leg lengths, minor variances may arise when working to enhance hip stability. Dr Slattery uses X ray and computer navigation to reduce this risk.
Risk of Dislocation – There is the potential risk of dislocation, where the ball of the hip becomes displaced from its socket. This happens in less than 1% of patients after the initial period following surgery and may require further surgery. This risk is lower when using an anterior approach to a hip replacement.
Risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and Blood Clots – DVT and blood clots pose a risk post-surgery. These risks are decreased using precautions both during surgery and after it, such as the use of blood-thinning medication and compression socks.
While a total hip replacement can significantly improve your overall well-being, it is essential to ensure it is right for your individual circumstances. If you require assistance relating to the question of “Is it worth getting hip surgery?”, contact Dr David Slattery who can address your queries and discuss your available options.