Hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which a painful hip joint is removed and it is replaced with an artificial joint which is made of plastic and metal. This is usually done when all the other options have failed to provide relief. Dr. Tanveer Singh Bhutani is highly experienced and has performed numerous successful surgeries. Here are some commonly asked questions regarding the surgery which he has answered.

• What is hip replacement surgery?

In the surgery, the head or ball of the femur is removed along with damaged cartilage from the hip socket. The head or ball is replaced with a ball which is made of metal and that is fixed inside the femur. The metal shell contains a socket which is replaced with plastic liner. Due to this, the person is able to work smoothly with the replaced joint.

• Is Age an issue for the surgery?

This is not at all a problem. If you are in good health and you want to live a productive and active life then you can go for surgery. Your doctor will first check your physical health to see if you are ready for the surgery.

• How long the results of the surgery will last?

Usually, the replaced hip last for more than 10 to 20 years. However, there is no guarantee regarding this. In some cases, you might have to get second hip replacement surgery after 10 years.

• Is Surgery painful?

Medication is given to the patient so that he doesn’t feel any type of discomfort. The care team will monitor your health during the entire surgery. Before the surgery, the doctor will also discuss what kind of painkillers suit you or are you allergic to any type of medicine. On the basis, on this pain medications will be given.

• How long the surgery take?

On average it takes around three hours for the entire process.

• Is there any type of risk?

In most of the cases, there is no type of risk involved. Chances are very rare of infection and blood clots as they are very serious complications. To avoid such problem antibiotics are recommended by the doctor. To reduce the chances of blood clot move around, walk, and do ankle pumps.

• Is the scar visible?

The scar is approximately 4 to 6 inches long and it will be along the side of your hip. Around the scar, there will be numbness which is very normal.