Hip operations – indications, course, rehabilitation. How much does hip surgery cost?

Hip surgery is one of the most serious orthopedic surgery procedures. Depending on the patient’s ailments, it is possible to carry out, among others, arthroplasty, arthroscopy and osteotomy. We explain what each of these treatments consists of.

Ailments in the hip joint

The hip joint has a very wide range of motion. Its proper functioning makes it easy to move on two legs. Not surprisingly, the pain in this area sometimes makes it difficult to do basic activities and make activities like getting up from a chair unpleasant. These types of ailments can mean, for example:

1. inflammation,
2. excessive overload,
3. degenerative disease,
4. break.

Pain can radiate from the hip area to the buttock and even to the knee. In the risk group, apart from seniors, there are also very active, physical and obese people.

1. How is the hip joint constructed?

Ailments that persist for weeks should prompt the patient to consult an orthopedist – the sooner the diagnostic process and treatment are implemented, the greater the chance that the conservative methods will be effective.

Treatment of the hip joint

Imaging tests are key to making a correct diagnosis. Doctors most often refer patients to X-rays or MRI scans. In the case of diagnosing overloads or inflammations of not very advanced stage, orthopedists usually propose:

1. shock wave,
2. ultrasound therapy,
3. cryotherapy,
4. laser therapy.

Rest is also important – strenuous training is prohibited during the treatment period. If the pain is very troublesome, additional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs (administered orally or topically) can be administered.

1. Find out about the most common causes of hip pain

When is hip surgery needed?

If medical treatment proves insufficient or the patient sees a doctor in an advanced stage of the disease, hip surgery may be necessary.

One of the most frequently performed procedures in this area is hip arthroplasty. It consists in replacing the affected joint with an individually selected prosthesis. Mostly patients with degenerative changes are qualified for surgery.

An endoprosthesis, i.e. an artificial joint, is then a chance for them to avoid permanent disability. It is worth remembering that the procedure itself is not everything. Rehabilitation that begins the day after the surgery is also extremely important.

1. What is rehabilitation after hip surgery?

What is hip arthroscopy?

The indication for arthroscopy is the clicking hip syndrome, also known as the dancer’s hip. This condition is manifested by a noticeable bounce and friction around the hip joint. Symptoms usually appear during flexion and extension.

Arthroscopy is less invasive than surgery performed using the open method. The surgeon makes only a few small incisions on the skin through which he inserts tools and a camera into the joint. Then he repairs the resulting damage, removes unnecessary tissue and rinses the joint.

The cosmetic effects of the treatment are very good and the patient does not have to be hospitalized for a long time.

Osteotomy

The aim of an osteotomy is to correct the axis of the limb, improve its shape, as well as lengthen or transfer the loads in the joint to a healthy area. This can be achieved by cutting the bones.

1. Knee osteotomy – what is this procedure characterized by?

The procedure is most often performed in the case of osteoarthritis – it allows to avoid endoprosthesis implantation, which is of particular importance for patients in advanced age, for whom such an operation is a heavy burden. Patients after osteotomy recover faster and recover from daily activities.

1. Find out more: How to care for joints?

Preparation for hip surgery

The doctor will inform the patient about detailed preoperative recommendations. Basic tests such as blood count, coagulation parameters, ECG and general urine test will certainly be required.

The specialist should be informed about any medications taken on a permanent basis, as it may be necessary to discontinue them 7-10 days before the operation. You should also contact your doctor if you have a fever or a cold a week before the procedure.

Rehabilitation after hip surgery

If the patient’s condition is good, rehabilitation can begin on the second day after the surgery. Early mobilization of the patient is very important, although excessive effort must not be allowed. Exercises are therefore individually adjusted to the patient’s condition.

The physiotherapist helps with the first upright standing, teaches how to move on crutches, and presents individual exercises. These become more and more advanced over time. Their goal is, among others regaining mobility in the hip joint, as well as rebuilding weakened muscles.

1. Convalescence after surgery and illness. What is the diet like during recovery?

What should we remember?

People who are waiting for hip arthroplasty should, if possible, properly adapt their apartment before the surgery. This is especially true for patients who live independently. It is worth remembering especially about:

1. placing items necessary in everyday life within easy reach – so that you do not have to bend down or climb for them,
2. removal of carpets, cables and other things that can be tripped over
3. making some modifications to the bathroom (e.g. mounting the bracket on the wall next to the toilet or placing a chair in a shower cubicle).

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