Hip Surgery

What are the benefits of hip surgery?

Your hip is what is called a “ball and socket” joint. The “ball” (called the femoral head) is covered by special surface – cartilage — which allows the joint to move smoothly and painlessly in its socket. But when the hip has been affected by injury or disease, the cartilage degenerates and the joint surfaces become rough, resulting in pain and stiffness.

At first, the pain begins gradually and usually occurs only after higher levels of physical activity. With time, however, the pain increases and may be present even when you are at rest. Hip surgery can:

• help eliminate this pain
• improve your range of motion, and
• minimize further wear and tear on the joint.

I’ve been told I need hip surgery — why do I have to wait so long?

Sometimes doctors will urge you to postpone surgery for as long as you can, because the benefits of the surgery may last for only 10 to 15 years and then need to be repeated.

But if you are already in serious pain, the bigger issue is likely the waiting list typical in most Canadian provinces, including Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec. Hospital bed shortages and limited operating room times have left physicians and their patients equally frustrated. This is where Timely Medical Alternatives can help expedite your case through private clinics and hospitals so you can get the surgery you need, with no wait.

What’s the difference between hip replacement and hip resurfacing?

Total hip replacement surgery is most often recommended for people suffering from arthritis. It requires removing the top of the femur (thigh bone) and inserting a new metal stem into the bone shaft attached to a prosthetic ball joint. Sometimes, the surgeon will insert a new socket as well.

Hip resurfacing, on the other hand, means that the femur is reshaped and resurfaced. As a result, the surgeon removes less bone – this option is only appropriate for those who have only mild joint degeneration.

What other issues do I need to consider?

Hip surgery requires many decisions! The surgeon has two ways of fixing the joint – either with bone cement or by using a porous implant (without cement) designed to encourage the bone to regrow into the implant. There are also many choices for implant material – metal, ceramic and polyethylene.

Technology is changing all the time – resulting in more hip surgery options than ever before. Your surgeon will be able to discuss all your choices with you, helping you make the best possible decision for you.

What happens after the surgery?

Usually, by the second day following your surgery, you will meet with a physiotherapist and or an occupational therapist who will help you get back on your feet and comfortable walking with a walker and or crutches.  Your hospital stay is likely to be in the 4 to 6 days in length.

How long will it take me to recover from hip surgery?

After you return home, you will need to use the crutches or a walker full-time for a period of time. In the short term, you will be instructed not to sit at a 90 degree angle, which means you will not be able to drive or sit up straight in a chair. You will also be asked to avoid crossing your legs, leaning forward, or twisting from the waist. Some special equipment will help make your recovery easier. This includes such items as a raised toilet seat, a stool for the shower, a reacher, which allows you to pick up things from the ground without bending, a sock cone, to help you put on socks and a long shoehorn.

Approximately six weeks after your hip surgery, you will have a follow up visit with X-rays. At this point the doctor will likely allow you to begin increased weight bearing but you may still require a walking aid.

At around the third or fourth month, the doctor will evaluate you again and likely permit further weight bearing.  When you can return to work and resume recreational activities depends on your age, the type of hip surgery, the kinds of activity you want to undertake and your recovery rate.

Your surgeon can give you a better estimate of anticipated recovery time at the time of your consultation.