Total hip endoprosthesis - TEP
About
Total Hip Endoprosthesis (TEP), also known as total hip replacement, is a surgical procedure designed to replace a damaged or deteriorated hip joint with an artificial joint, or prosthesis. The hip joint consists of a ball-and-socket structure, and TEP involves replacing the damaged femoral head (ball) and the hip socket (acetabulum) with prosthetic components. This procedure is typically performed to relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or hip fractures.
Candidate
Candidates for total hip endoprosthesis are individuals who suffer from chronic hip pain, reduced mobility, and decreased quality of life due to hip joint issues. Common reasons for TEP include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, hip fractures, or congenital hip deformities. Our surgeon will evaluate the specific condition and the individual's overall health to determine if they are a suitable candidate for this procedure.
Preparation
Preparation for total hip endoprosthesis typically involves the following steps: Medical Evaluation: Our surgeon will conduct a comprehensive medical evaluation, which may include blood tests, imaging scans, and a review of overall health. Medication Review: The individual may be advised to adjust or discontinue certain medications, particularly blood-thinning drugs, prior to the surgery. Lifestyle Adjustments: The surgeon may recommend certain lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and dietary changes, to improve overall health before the procedure. Pre-operative Counseling: There will be a pre-operative consultation with the surgeon to discuss the procedure, its risks, benefits, and expected outcomes. This is an opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns.
Treatment
Anesthesia: General or regional anesthesia will be administered to ensure that the individual is comfortable and pain-free during the surgery. Incision: The surgeon makes an incision to access the hip joint. Removal of Damaged Tissue: The damaged femoral head and hip socket are removed. Prosthesis Placement: Artificial hip joint components are implanted into the prepared bone surfaces. These components typically consist of a metal stem inserted into the femur, a metal or ceramic ball that replaces the femoral head, and a cup-shaped component placed in the acetabulum. Closure: The incision is closed with stitches or staples. Recovery: The individual will be monitored in a recovery area as they wake up from anesthesia.
Result
Rehabilitation following total hip endoprosthesis is essential to regain strength, mobility, and function. The duration of rehabilitation varies depending on the individual and the specific procedure performed. Physical therapy is a key component of rehabilitation and helps with exercises to improve hip movement and muscle strength. Typically, rehabilitation can last several weeks to a few months.
Precautions
There are precautions to take after TEP to ensure a successful recovery: Avoid activities that put excessive stress on the hip, such as heavy lifting or high-impact exercises. Follow the surgeon's post-operative instructions regarding weight-bearing restrictions and the use of assistive devices like crutches or walkers. Keep the surgical site clean and dry to prevent infection. Attend scheduled follow-up appointments with our surgeon for monitoring and evaluation of the healing process. Inform healthcare providers about the hip prosthesis before any medical or dental procedures, as antibiotics may be required to prevent infection.
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F.A.Q.
A hip prosthesis, also known as a hip replacement, is a surgical procedure in which the damaged parts of the hip joint are replaced with artificial components. It is performed to relieve pain, improve function, and enhance mobility in individuals with severe hip joint conditions.
A hip prosthesis may be recommended for individuals with conditions such as severe arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis), hip fractures, avascular necrosis, or hip joint deterioration that significantly affects their quality of life and daily activities.
There are different types of hip prostheses, including total hip replacement and partial hip replacement. Total hip replacement involves replacing the entire hip joint, including the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum). Partial hip replacement replaces only the damaged or worn-out part of the hip joint.
The lifespan of a hip prosthesis varies depending on factors such as the patient's age, activity level, and the type of prosthesis used. On average, a hip prosthesis can last for 15 to 20 years or longer with proper care and adherence to postoperative instructions.
Recovery from hip prosthesis surgery involves a period of hospitalization, followed by rehabilitation and physical therapy. Initially, weight-bearing and movement restrictions may be in place to allow proper healing. Gradually, physical therapy will focus on restoring strength, mobility, and function in the hip joint.
Although hip prosthesis surgery is generally considered safe, there are potential risks and complications. These can include infection, blood clots, dislocation of the prosthesis, implant loosening, nerve or blood vessel injury, leg length discrepancy, and allergic reactions to anaesthesia. Our surgeon will discuss these risks with you before the procedure.
After a successful recovery, many individuals are able to resume normal activities following hip prosthesis surgery. However, it is important to avoid high-impact activities and heavy lifting to protect the prosthesis and prevent complications. Our surgeon will provide specific guidelines based on your individual case.
Most hip prostheses are made of metal components, which can trigger metal detectors in airports or other security checkpoints. It is advisable to carry a medical device identification card or inform the security personnel about the presence of the prosthesis to avoid any inconvenience during screening.
Yes, in some cases, a hip prosthesis may need to be revised or replaced. This can occur due to wear and tear, implant loosening, infection, or other complications. Revision surgery may involve removing and replacing some or all of the components of the prosthesis.
The recovery timeline after hip prosthesis surgery varies from person to person, but most individuals can expect to return to normal activities within a few months. Initially, you will spend a few days to a week in the hospital, followed by a period of rehabilitation and physical therapy. During this time, you will gradually regain strength, mobility, and independence. By the end of the first month, you may be able to perform light activities and return to work, depending on the nature of your job. Full recovery, including the ability to engage in more strenuous activities, can take several months. It is important to follow the guidance of your healthcare team and adhere to the prescribed rehabilitation program for optimal recovery.
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