If you have long-term, debilitating hip pain, chances are good you have tried pain medication, cortisone shots, icing and taping, and physical therapy. You may be exercising more and have shed extra, burdensome weight. So if your orthopedist is recommending hip surgery, it may be that you are running out of non-surgical options. For you – and your orthopedist – hip surgery is a big decision. If this is the case, you no doubt have a lot of questions and concerns. On the one hand, you are may be relieved that your hip will finally be on the mend. On the other, hip surgery can be a complex procedure that can require weeks of recuperation and physical therapy. Here are some questions you may want to ask your orthopedic surgeon before undergoing hip surgery.
Which kind of hip surgery procedure is best for me?
There are a variety of hip surgeries that orthopedic surgeons perform. Figuring out what type of procedure is best for your condition or symptoms is key to ensuring a positive outcome. Total hip replacement – also known as hip arthroplasty – is an invasive surgical technique in which the hip is replaced with a prosthetic. A less invasive procedure uses artificial implants, the same as arthroplasty, however, specially designed surgical instruments make it easier for the procedure to take place by requiring less and smaller incisions. For those patients seeking to repair a labral tear, orthopedists usually use pins to repair the area.
Whichever procedure the doctor recommends will depend on your injury, risk factors, your medical condition, and the projected outcome of the surgery.
What will the hip surgery procedure involve?
Get as smart as you can about the procedure by having your orthopedic surgeon walk you through what the surgery will entail. Will the surgery involve correcting an issue using prosthetics or bone grafts? Will you need revision surgery after some time? Work now to set expectations to discuss what you can expect before, during and after the procedure. Get a good idea of how you should prepare for the procedure and for post-surgery recovery. The more you learn about your hip surgery procedure, the better prepared you will be.
What are the risks associated with my hip surgery?
Like with any surgical procedure, hip surgery comes with its own set of risks and complications. The most common are blood clots, infection, joint damage, and nerve damage. Preexisting conditions make you more vulnerable to certain risks. Be sure to share your entire medical history with your orthopedic surgeon before committing to surgery.
What can I expect post surgery?
Even though many hip procedures are out-patient, recovering from any surgery can take time. When considering hip surgery, get a thorough understanding of what to expect in the coming days, weeks and months following the procedure. This will give you an idea of what kind of support you will need post-surgery, how much time you need off from work, the sort of assistance you may need, and whether you are in the right time in your life to get the procedure done.
Will I need therapy afterward?
Post-operative recovery often involves therapy services like physical or occupational therapy to help you restore function, flexibility, range of motion, and strength in the hip. Therapy can be an essential tool for effective and efficient recovery, but it does take time to be effective and requires a commitment on your part to do the therapy outside the therapist’s office as well as during appointments. Your orthopedic surgeon will let you know if therapy is necessary following your procedure.
Does your center offer on-site physical or occupational therapy?
Some orthopedic surgery centers offer physical or occupational therapy on-site. The benefit of this is having the same quality care you receive from your surgeon extended to your physical therapy. It also means there is a seamless transfer of information between your surgeon and physical therapist. The more information your physical therapist has about your condition and procedure, the better therapy plan he or she can create. Similarly, your surgeon will also have access to your physical therapy progress. This is useful for follow up appointments, adjusting medications, and checking on post-surgery recovery progress.
OrthoUnited is devoted to diagnosing, treating, and preventing adult and pediatric musculoskeletal system injuries. If you are considering hip surgery, talk to the board-certified orthopaedic surgeons at OrthoUnited for trustworthy treatment recommendations and great service. Call (844) 469-2663 to make an appointment today.
