Hip Replacement FAQs

Following are the common questions about Hip Replacement:

1. Why is hip replacement surgery required?
2. What are the types of hip replacement surgery?
3. What are the indications that you require hip replacement treatment?
4. Are there any risks associated with hip replacement surgery?
5. Do hip implants feel natural?
6. What is the success rate of hip replacement surgery?
7. What questions can you ask your orthopedic doctor regarding hip replacement treatment?
8. What is the cost of hip replacement treatment?
9. Does hip replacement get covered under insurance?
10. What should I do post hip replacement surgery?
11. Is hip replacement treatment painful?
12. How long does it take to recover post hip replacement surgery?
13. What should I avoid post hip replacement treatment?

Q. Why is hip replacement surgery required?

A. Hip replacement treatment is generally advised to patients suffering from chronic pain in the hip and may start limping or unable to walk. In other cases, athletes, sports players, or people who are into active outdoor games suffer any fracture and dislocation are suggested hip replacement treatment by the orthopedic doctor after a thorough diagnosis of the condition.

Q. What are the types of hip replacement surgery?

A. There are different types of hip replacement surgery that the doctor generally advises after diagnosing the condition thoroughly:

• Partial hip replacement surgery also referred to as hemiarthroplasty
• Total hip replacement surgery
• Hip resurfacing the femoral head and socket

Q. What are the indications that you require hip replacement treatment?

A. Hip replacement surgery can be advised to both younger and older patients. There are a few factors that may indicate the requirement of hip replacement treatment:

• Osteoarthritis
• Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome
• Avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis
• Neoplasms
• Trauma, like fracture or dislocation from a fall
• Hip dysplasia

Q. Are there any risks associated with hip replacement surgery?

A. Hip replacement is performed with advanced medical technologies and has a better success rate than conventional methods. However, like any other surgeries hip replacement treatment have a few potential risks associated with it:

• Blood vessel injury
• Dislocation
• Loosening of implant
• Nerve injury
• Pain
• Stiffness
• Blood clots
• Fractures
• Infection
• Leg-length inequality

Q. Do hip implants feel natural?

A. As reported by most of the people who have undergone hip replacement treatment, hip implants do not feel unnatural. An individual is able to walk and normally stand post-treatment, of course, with support initially for a few days as suggested by doctors. Consult your nearby orthopedic doctor to know more about the implants used for hip replacement treatment.

Q. What is the success rate of hip replacement surgery?

A. The success rate of hip replacement surgery is 85%-90%. The treatment has long-lasting results. There are certain factors on which success rate depends such as the type of condition one is suffering from, the expertise of the orthopedic surgeon, the type of technique used during the surgical procedure ho hip replacement treatment, or if the patient is following all the instructions during recovery period provided by the doctor.

Q. What questions can you ask your orthopedic doctor regarding hip replacement treatment?

A. There are some questions you can ask your doctor before undergoing hip replacement surgery to understand the treatment better and prepare for it:

• When can I resume work post hip replacement treatment?
• Can I drive post hip surgery?
• Will there be any stiffness in the hip joint post-surgery?
• Can I play sports post hip replacement treatment?
• How long does it take to recover completely post hip replacement surgery?
• I am taking medication for my current medical condition. Can I still undergo hip replacement surgery?
• When can I join the gym post hip treatment?

Q. What is the cost of hip replacement surgery?

A. The average cost of the hip replacement surgery may range between Rs. 1,00,000 to 2,50,000. However, this is an average cost range that is mentioned and may differ from the final cost of the treatment. There are various factors that may affect the cost of the treatment, such as:

• The general fees of the consultation
• Type of implant used for the treatment
• Type of technique used during the surgical procedure
• The diagnostic tests recommended by the doctor for hip replacement treatment
• The medication prescribed by the doctor throughout the treatment
• The charges of the hospitalization until discharged
• The selection of the hospital, etc.

Q. Does hip replacement get covered under insurance?

A. Most of the health insurance providers do cover hip replacement treatment. However, the coverage of the treatment may differ from one insurance company to another. In addition, there are certain factors depending on which the coverage of the hip replacement treatment may vary, such as the type of insurance provider, the type of policy you have opted for, or the type of medical condition for which you have suggested hip replacement treatment.

Q. What should I do post hip replacement surgery?

A. A few things the orthopedic doctor may recommend you to follow for smooth recovery:

• Always wear shoes that have rubber soles
• Try sitting on firm furniture while maintaining a standard body posture
• Always keep your legs straight while lying in bed
• Keep a firm pillow between your knees in order to reduce twisting
• Always take support of your walker while walking

Q. Is hip replacement treatment painful?

A. Hip replacement surgery is an advanced surgical procedure performed with the latest medical technology. The treatment is conducted under the effect of anesthesia that makes the procedure painless. With the help of the latest technique, the surgical procedure for hip replacement has become minimally invasive compared to traditional methods that are more painful and take longer to recover. Advanced hip replacement surgical procedures have a faster recovery duration with minimum discomfort. The doctor may prescribe a few medications post-treatment to promote recovery.

Q. How long does it take to recover post hip replacement surgery?

A. An individual who has undergone hip replacement surgery can walk on the same day of the surgery. The patient can resume basic activities within ten days, where they can walk and sit with support. However, the complete recovery may take three to five weeks. The doctor may prescribe you a few medications and tips for a faster recovery duration. There is a possibility the doctor may recommend a physiotherapist post hip replacement treatment to support the healing process while restoring the normal function of the hip.

Q. What should I avoid post hip replacement treatment?

A. The doctor may recommend avoiding a few things for healthy recovery post hip replacement treatment:

• Do not sit while crisscrossing your legs
• Do not resist getting up without support
• Try not to lift your knees past your hips
• Do not sit while keeping your leg on another
• Avoid driving until discussed with your doctor
• Do not do any strenuous movements post-surgery
• Avoid lifting any weight until fully recovered