Hip replacement is a safe and effective surgery that helps patients walk, sit, and move without pain when their natural hip joint is damaged.
The Diseased Hip
The most common condition affecting the hip joint is osteoarthritis. In this problem, the smooth cartilage that covers the hip bones wears out and the bare bone starts rubbing against each other. This causes pain, stiffness, and difficulty in movement. The pain is often felt in the groin, thigh, or knee area.
Some people develop hip problems after an injury or birth deformity. Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and other bone inflammations can also damage the hip joint over time.
If your hip pain is not improving with medicines, exercise, or physiotherapy, your doctor may suggest hip replacement surgery.
Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery in Nagpur
In minimally invasive hip surgery, the surgeon replaces the damaged hip joint through a smaller cut—usually less than 10 cm. The exact size depends on your body type. This technique causes less muscle damage, less blood loss, and faster recovery compared to the traditional method. Patients also get a smaller and neater scar after surgery.
What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery involves removing the damaged parts of the hip joint and replacing them with artificial parts called prostheses.
The upper part of the thigh bone (femur) is replaced with a metal stem that fits inside the bone or just covers its surface (called hip resurfacing). The socket of the hip (acetabulum) is also replaced with an artificial cup.
The artificial joint can be made of metal, ceramic, or polyethylene (medical plastic). Common combinations include:
- Metal ball with plastic socket
- Ceramic ball with plastic socket
- Ceramic ball with ceramic socket
Some implants are fixed with bone cement, while others naturally fuse with the bone. The choice depends on your age, bone quality, and activity level.
When to Consider Hip Replacement
If your hip joint is severely damaged or deformed, hip replacement can help restore normal movement and quality of life. Delay in treatment may worsen the damage.
Your orthopedic surgeon in Nagpur will first check if the pain is truly from the hip or related to back or knee problems, as these can sometimes cause similar discomfort.