Gone are the days when patients thought twice before going in for hip surgery. The reason: fear of surgery and the unknown consequences. Today, times have changed and the latest medical technologies have reassured patients about hip replacement surgery. The new technologies not only provide a longevity to the implants used in the process, but also greater mobility to patients so that they can perform their daily activities with much more ease.

SUCCESS STORY
Krithika (name changed), a 26 year old woman suffered from osteoarthritis and underwent core decompression of the left hip a year after she was diagnosed. Before the surgery the pain was severe and limited her activities severely. Today, Krithika is back on her feet, walking comfortably and all within 3 to 4 days after surgery.
The reason behind the success is timely intervention and availability of expertise at the right time. The availability of ‘large head ceramic on ceramic cup technology’ implants have already started to make a huge difference to young people’s lives giving them mobility and strength without leaving any debris after surgery which was not the case earlier. In Krithika’s case the technology was used keeping her age in mind and the fact that she is likely to plan a family in the future. Such technologies are designed for Indian women who have a smaller anatomy and structure allowing them to adjust to demands like sitting cross-legged during their daily activities. Moreover, there are fewer complications and longer lasting results.
So what exactly is a hip replacement surgery and why is having it correctly done so important?

WHAT IT ENTAILS
In a hip replacement procedure, the damaged joint surface is removed and is replaced with an artificial implant. Wear is one of the most important factors to be considered when choosing a new hip implant surgery. The process of wear generates small particles of debris and it is this debris that triggers a response from the body which, in turn, leads to the loosening of the implant. A loose implant will cause pain and sooner or later there will be the need for revision surgery.
The need for ceramic on ceramic implant surgery arises when painful symptoms can no longer be controlled with non-operative treatments. The replacement of the ball and socket at the hip joint with large head ceramic components instead of traditional cobalt-chromium material is what this new technology is about.
The entire operation can be completed in less than an hour. For the patient it means a shorter stay at the hospital, reduced chances of infection or anesthesia requirements, less blood loss, faster recovery period and a longer lasting implant. There are numerous people within the 20-40 year age group who require hip-replacement surgery every year. Total hip replacements are performed most commonly because of progressively worsening arthritis in the hip joint, generally seen with aging, congenital abnormality of or prior trauma to the hip joint.

The writer is Chairman & Chief Surgeon Orthopaedics & Institute of Joint Replacement Surgery Associate Medical Director, Max Healthcare Institute Limited, New Delhi