Hip replacement

What is a hip replacement?

A hip replacement is a surgery. It helps fix a hip joint that hurts or is broken.

The doctor takes out the old, hurt joint. They put in a new, fake joint. This can help you move better and feel less pain.

Talk to your doctor or a nurse if you have questions. You can also watch videos or look at pictures to understand more.

Who might need a new hip?

Some people have very sore hips. This can happen if the hip is not healthy. A doctor can decide if someone needs a new hip.

• If walking hurts a lot and does not get better.
• If other treatments like medicine or therapy don't help.
• If the hip problem makes life very hard.

Always talk to a doctor to see what is best for you.

How long does a hip replacement take?

A hip replacement is an operation. Doctors fix a new hip joint. This can take about 1 to 2 hours.

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What kind of medicine helps you sleep during hip surgery?

When doctors do hip surgery, they give you special medicine. This medicine helps you sleep and not feel any pain.

There are a few kinds of this sleep medicine:

• General Anaesthesia: This makes you sleep deeply. You won’t wake up until the surgery is over.
• Regional Anaesthesia: This medicine numbs a big part of your body. You might stay awake but won't feel anything in the surgery area.

The doctor will talk with you and choose the best one for you. If you feel worried, you can ask for a toy or a comforting item to hold. Listening to music or having a friend with you can help you feel better too.

What could go wrong with a new hip surgery?

How long does it take to get better after a hip replacement?

Getting better after a hip replacement takes time. Most people start feeling better in about 3 to 6 months.

Here are some tips to help you:

• Rest a lot and take breaks.
• Follow the doctor's advice.
• Do exercises to help your hip get stronger. A physiotherapist can show you how.
• Ask someone to help if you need it.

Remember to go to your doctor check-ups to see how you are healing.

Will I need help moving after a new hip?

After getting a new hip, you might need some help to move and get better. This is called "physical therapy." It helps you learn how to walk and do things safely.

Here are some tools and ideas to make it easier:

• Ask a helper: You can ask a friend or family member to help you do the exercises.
• Use a stick or walker: These can help you walk safely as you get better.
• Take small steps: It's okay to go slowly. Take small steps to get stronger day by day.

How long do hip replacements last?

A hip replacement can last a long time. Most last 15 to 20 years.

To take care of your hip:

• Walk and exercise gently.
• Eat healthy food to stay strong.
• See your doctor if you have pain.

If you need help understanding, ask a friend or family member.

Are there different types of hip implants?

Yes, there are different kinds of hip implants.

A doctor can help choose the best one for each person.

Some main types are:

• Metal: These are made from strong metal.
• Ceramic: These are made from a special hard material.
• Plastic: These have smooth plastic parts.

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Can you have surgery on both hips at once?

What is minimally invasive hip replacement surgery?

Minimally invasive hip replacement surgery is a special way doctors fix your hip. They make a small cut to fix it, so you can get better faster.

Doctors use tiny tools and a camera. This helps them see inside your hip. The small cut means less pain and a quicker recovery.

To understand more, you can ask your doctor questions. You can also watch simple videos online to see how it works. Talking with family or friends can help too.

Can I do my usual activities after I get a new hip?

After you get a new hip, you might wonder if you can go back to your regular activities. It's important to follow your doctor's advice to get better. You can use tools like a walker or a cane to help you move safely. Take your time and ask for help if you need it.

How much does hip replacement surgery cost in the UK?

A hip replacement is when a doctor gives you a new hip. It can cost a lot of money.

In the UK, hip replacement might be free if you use the NHS. But sometimes you may choose to go private, which costs more.

If you pay for it yourself, it can be around £10,000 to £15,000.

If this feels tricky to understand, you can ask someone you trust to explain it. Using clear pictures or talking with a doctor can also help you learn more.

How can I get ready for hip surgery?

Getting ready for hip surgery can help make things easier. Here are some simple steps and tips to help you:

• Talk to your doctor. Ask questions if you don't understand something.
• Make your home safe. Remove anything you might trip over, like loose rugs.
• Ask for help from family or friends. They can help you with things like cooking or getting dressed.
• Use tools like a raised toilet seat or crutches to help you move around.
• Eat healthy foods and drink water to keep your body strong.
• Practice using a chair with arms to help you stand up easily.

These steps can help you feel ready for your surgery and recovery.

What will happen after my hip surgery?

In the first few weeks after your hip surgery, you might feel some pain. This is normal. Your doctor will help you with medicine to feel better.

You will also need to do some exercises to get your hip strong again. A therapist will show you how to do these exercises. It is important to try your best.

You might need some tools to help you move around, like crutches or a walker. These will help you walk safely.

Remember to ask for help if you need it. Family, friends, or doctors are there to support you.