Hip Surgical Procedures - Ready, Set, Go!

The hip joint is a vital part of our skeletal system and is the main joint for the body’s locomotion. The hips are a ball and socket type of joint and the acetabulum forming the socket houses the femoral head as ball. The femoral head moves in the acetabulum to provide mobility. Damage to any of these components may result in painful movements and restriction in activities involving the hips. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, congenital deformities, tumor and external injury may damage the joint. When the pain becomes intolerable or there is significant limitation of activities, hip surgical procedures are recommended to salvage quality of life.

There are many surgeries for the hip joint. The conventional type of hip surgical procedure involves an incision of ten to twelve inches and replacement of diseased hips with an artificial implant. After the procedure, the patient may require a minimum of six weeks of rehabilitation period to return to normal daily activities. During the rehabilitative phase, physiotherapy helps the patient to modify activities in accordance with the new implant. Conventional surgeries are preferred in old people with a less active lifestyle. However, the surgery has a long rehabilitative phase and is associated with complications.

Minimal invasive surgeries are relatively new. It involves a smaller incision of two inches through which the procedure of the hip replacement is done. The destruction of soft tissue is less, hence the recovery time is less. The risk of infection is also comparatively lesser than the conventional surgery. The patient recovers faster and is able to use their hips to walk normally within two weeks. The minimally invasive hip surgery involves smaller incisions and less scarring, a faster and less painful rehabilitation, and a shorter hospital stay.

Also see; arthroscopic hip surgery.

About The Author:

Dr. Bharat Sharma is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.hip-replacement-care.com. He has been working in the medical rehab field for more than a decade. Keeping up to date with techological advancements he has become a self appointed expert.