Finding the Best Orthopedic Surgeon for Hip Surgery

Hip surgery, also called hip osteotomy, is a major surgical procedure in which a prosthetic hip joint is surgically replaced by an artificial hip prosthesis, which is usually a hip replacement. Hip surgery may be performed as either a partial replacement or as a complete reconstruction. This surgery is recommended for people suffering from debilitating hip arthritis or those unable to walk due to a hip fracture. Hip replacement enables the patient to stand up with the assistance of crutches. Hip replacements give more mobility to the patient and at the same time reduce the burden on the hip and legs. It also prevents excessive fatigue and other health complications such as infections, tightness of the muscles, tightness of the hip and bone spurs.

Hip Replacement Surgery

Before undergoing hip replacement surgery, it is essential for you to discuss with your surgeon the extent of your hip arthritis and the possible replacement options available to you. The surgeon will carefully analyze your medical history, ask questions about your symptoms and recommend a suitable surgical technique. The procedure usually takes two to three hours. In most instances, a local anesthetic is applied before surgery and the patient can later drive herself to the hospital in an attempt to prevent any kind of pain during the surgical process. You will be placed under general anesthesia and will be asked not to eat or drink for about six hours after the surgical procedure. Anterior hip replacement Raleigh is a great place to go for this type of surgery.

Day of Surgery

Hip replacement surgeries are generally performed on an outpatient basis, but some surgeons perform them in hospital and others perform the surgery in an ambulatory surgery center. Patients who have had prior to hip surgery are often advised to avoid physical therapy after the procedure as this may hamper the healing process. The patients are required to remain immobile for one or two weeks but they are allowed to walk around for only a few days. Patients who have had prior operations are advised to take pain medication until the stitches are removed.