Living With A Ceramic Hip Replacement
There are a lot of hip replacement alternatives that people with hip problems can opt for but ceramic replacement is the growing trend in orthopedics today. But just to clear things out, this procedure has nothing to do with the use of china or pottery ceramics. The ceramic materials used in this procedure are made of closely packed and compressed zirconium or aluminum oxides that are harder than most substances except diamond.
Period of Recovery
Immediately after the surgery, the patient has to lie flat on their back with a pillow between their legs to keep their hips properly aligned. Only after one or two days can they sit on the edge of the bend, stand and maybe even walk with assistance or else their implant would dislodge and they would have to undergo another surgery, adding to their replacement cost.
Going Home With A Ceramic Implant
It usually takes six to ten days after a replacement before the patient can finally return home. More often than not, walking aides are required to assist the patient in ambulation. However, there are some patients who get to be discharged one to three days after the surgery, provided that they are generally fit and well.
Post-ceramic hip replacement patients should know that they will be feeling lethargic at first, but this is only a post-operative feeling and it is completely normal. It is then encouraged that patients have someone assist them during their first week home from the hospital to help them out with the household chores. Whether the patient underwent a total or partial hip replacement, pain will always be a certainty after the surgery because an incision was made on the patient's leg. However, the pain is temporary and it goes away a few days after discharge.
Partial and Total Hip Replacement Precautions
Both forms of hip replacements have precautions since the patient's hips shouldn't be forced or the new implants will get damaged. Therefore, weight-bearing on the hips of a post-ceramic hip replacement patient should be avoided. Before going home, it is crucial that the patient learns to identify the signs of complications so he or she can immediately get some help in the event something bad happens.
Check-Ups
The patient will have to return to the hospital after six to twelve weeks for a check-up which will then be followed by another check up one year after, and then another one set five years later for a hip X-ray.
Lifestyle Changes
Although the lifestyle changes of patients who underwent replacement aren't major modifications, they should really be observed. For example, the patient can only return to his or her normal activities after three months. They should avoid extreme sports or movement unless the doctor says otherwise. Driving can only be resumed after six weeks since it can be quite a challenge having to get in and out the car at first. Sex, on the other hand, should not be discouraged provided that the patient would avoid using positions that will hurt his or her hips.
Conclusion
Life after ceramic hip replacement isn't that difficult. It would basically be the same as how the patient lived before the surgery, the only difference is that he or she needs to be more careful now. The hip replacement cost is not cheap therefore care should always be observed.
There are a lot of hip replacement alternatives that people with hip problems can opt for but ceramic replacement is the growing trend in orthopedics today. But just to clear things out, this procedure has nothing to do with the use of china or pottery ceramics. The ceramic materials used in this procedure are made of closely packed and compressed zirconium or aluminum oxides that are harder than most substances except diamond.
Period of Recovery
Immediately after the surgery, the patient has to lie flat on their back with a pillow between their legs to keep their hips properly aligned. Only after one or two days can they sit on the edge of the bend, stand and maybe even walk with assistance or else their implant would dislodge and they would have to undergo another surgery, adding to their replacement cost.
Going Home With A Ceramic Implant
It usually takes six to ten days after a replacement before the patient can finally return home. More often than not, walking aides are required to assist the patient in ambulation. However, there are some patients who get to be discharged one to three days after the surgery, provided that they are generally fit and well.
Post-ceramic hip replacement patients should know that they will be feeling lethargic at first, but this is only a post-operative feeling and it is completely normal. It is then encouraged that patients have someone assist them during their first week home from the hospital to help them out with the household chores. Whether the patient underwent a total or partial hip replacement, pain will always be a certainty after the surgery because an incision was made on the patient's leg. However, the pain is temporary and it goes away a few days after discharge.
Partial and Total Hip Replacement Precautions
Both forms of hip replacements have precautions since the patient's hips shouldn't be forced or the new implants will get damaged. Therefore, weight-bearing on the hips of a post-ceramic hip replacement patient should be avoided. Before going home, it is crucial that the patient learns to identify the signs of complications so he or she can immediately get some help in the event something bad happens.
Check-Ups
The patient will have to return to the hospital after six to twelve weeks for a check-up which will then be followed by another check up one year after, and then another one set five years later for a hip X-ray.
Lifestyle Changes
Although the lifestyle changes of patients who underwent replacement aren't major modifications, they should really be observed. For example, the patient can only return to his or her normal activities after three months. They should avoid extreme sports or movement unless the doctor says otherwise. Driving can only be resumed after six weeks since it can be quite a challenge having to get in and out the car at first. Sex, on the other hand, should not be discouraged provided that the patient would avoid using positions that will hurt his or her hips.
Conclusion
Life after ceramic hip replacement isn't that difficult. It would basically be the same as how the patient lived before the surgery, the only difference is that he or she needs to be more careful now. The hip replacement cost is not cheap therefore care should always be observed.