What is a Hip Replacement?

When the hip joint is damaged because of a condition like arthritis or because of broken bone, just walking can be extremely painful. Trying to get up from a seated position can be difficult and even laying down can cause serious discomfort. You may be forced to change how you go about your everyday activities, and may have to use medications and equipment to help you deal the pain and get around. But sometimes these measures aren’t enough and your physician may recommend a hip replacement surgery. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 330,000 hip replacement surgeries are performed every year. Here, we discuss the procedures, prosthetics, and recovery of hip arthroplasty, and what has prompted all this Stryker hip replacement lawsuit litigation across the country.

What is the surgery like? What should I expect?

For a traditional hip replacement, you can expect the surgery to take between an hour or two. Your surgeon will make an incision along the side of the hip to remove the any diseased or damaged tissue, bone, and cartilage from the joint. Good, healthy bone and tissue is left intact. The surgeon will then replace the head and socket with the new parts.

How are the parts held in place?

Hip replacement prosthesis generally come in two forms: cemented and uncemented. Cemented parts are held place using a cement, or special glue. Uncemented prostheses are porous allowing your tissue and bone to growth through the device and hold it in place. Sometimes a surgeon will use a mix of the two.

How long is recovery and do you have to have rehabilitation?

You will generally only spend a few days in the hospital after surgery, though total recovery may take up to six months. You will probably receive an exercise regimen to increase your range of motion and to rebuild muscle strength. As time goes on, you may be moved to more vigorous or demanding exercises like walking and stationary biking.

How Long Will My New Hip Last?

It used to be that hip replacements were effective for at least 10 years, however, advancements within the industry have changed things and many artificial hips are expected to remain functional in the body for 20 years.

Are there possible complications?

Yes, hip replacement joints can dislocate especially early after surgery. Some devices are made with a metal-on-metal design that can allow tiny particulates of metal to shed into surrounding tissue. These particulates can even enter the bloodstream and cause a serious condition called metallosis. Anyone who experiences tissue and bone degradation or metallosis should speak with a Stryker hip replacement attorney to learn if there are options available to them.

Why do some people have to have revision surgery?

Patients may be forced to undergo revision surgery if the joint surface wears away after time. Revision surgery may also be necessary if the device prematurely fails, or if the bones around the device become damaged. Generally, revision surgery is more difficult than the original surgery and the outcomes are not usually as good.