Our hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball, at the top of our femur (thighbone) is called the femoral head and the socket which is a part of our pelvis is called acetabulum . The ball moves in the socket. This allows our leg to rotate and move in forward, backward and sideways.

What is hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement refers to the removal and replacement of portions of the pelvis and femur i.e. thighbone that form our hip joint. This surgery is done by surgeons to relieve pain and stiffness in hips which is caused by hip arthritis.

This procedure is also used to treat injuries. This may include broken or improperly growing hip. It can be used for other conditions also.

Currently India is a leading country for this types of conditions and has some of the best hospitals which provides the most effective treatment for hip replacement.

When you need a hip replacement surgery?

If you are having the following arthritis symptoms, then you might need a hip replacement surgery.

These symptoms may include:

Severe hip pain that is not relieved by medications, can interfere in our sleep, work or other daily activities.

Hip stiffness that restricts the motion. This can create difficulties in walk.

Types of the surgery:

There are three major types of hip replacement. These are:

1) Total hip replacement: here the damaged section of the hip is replaced by artificial implants. The socket part is replaced with a durable cup which may or may not include a metal shell whereas the femoral head will be removed and replaced with a ball made from ceramic or a metal alloy. This is the most common hip replacement surgery

2) Partial hip replacement: here only one side of the hip joint – the femoral head – instead of both sides as in total hip replacement, is replaced. This procedure is most commonly done by surgeons in case of older patients.

3) Hip resurfacing: it is done commonly in young and active patients.

Method used for hip replacement:

There are two major surgical approach methods performed for a total hip replacement:

1) The posterior approach which is more common

2) The anterior approach

In order to begin the operation, surgeon who will replace the hip, will make incisions on either the back (posterior) or front (anterior) of the hip. Both these approaches offer relief from pain and improvement in walking and movement within weeks of surgery. In some cases, the orthopedic surgeon may choose to employ robotic technologies during the surgery.

Why India for hip replacement?

Currently India has some of the world class hospitals with highly experienced surgeons and specialist. They have been performing critical surgery with high success rate.

On the other hand, cost of the treatment is lower than others countries. In addition you will get the chance of local visiting during the treatment.

For these reasons most people have chosen India for their hip replacement. India offers state-of-the-art facilities in the top level hospitals for hip replacement.