Hip replacement surgery is a procedure that replaces the damaged ball-and-socket joint with artificial parts. It’s indicated in people with severe joint dysfunction and pain, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury.
Most people who undergo a hip replacement are aged between 50 and 80. With decades of life ahead of them, the new joint opens up new opportunities, allowing people to enjoy their retirement and life.
In this article, we cover eight long-term benefits patients can expect from hip replacement surgery. From playing with your grandkids to a life free of medication, the upsides of the operation are incredible. Read on to learn more.
Long-Term Benefits of Hip Replacement Surgery
1. Pain Relief
Pain – it’s the #1 reason why people choose to undergo the surgery. Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis, leads to the breakdown of joint cartilage. As the condition worsens, the two bone ends begin to rub against each other, causing immense pain, stiffness, and even inflammation.
Hip replacement surgery eliminates this pain by replacing the damaged joint with a high-quality prosthetic. Aside from a little postoperative discomfort, patients should notice pain relief almost immediately. They are free to move without being constantly reminded of their previous limitations.
Moreover, chronic pain has a gnawing effect on a person’s mental health, gradually wearing them down just like their joint cartilage. Immediate pain relief removes this burden, allowing greater mental clarity.
2. Improved Mobility
In the late stages of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the hip, mobility is a major issue. Almost every activity of daily living is a challenge.
Thanks to the prosthetic hip joint, patients often experience a dramatic improvement in their range of motion and overall mobility. Previously unmanageable activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and sitting and standing for extended periods suddenly become possible again.
Not only does this enhance a person’s independence, but it also restores their dignity.
3. Enhanced Quality of Life
Quality of life is a difficult metric to measure. What a good life is to one person is challenging to another. Nonetheless, with reduced pain, greater mobility, and a new lease on life, it’s hard to argue that patients won’t experience an enhanced quality of life.
Indeed, a 2011 study found that patients had a 96% rate of post-surgical satisfaction. Overall, they performed better than untreated patients with advanced hip osteoarthritis.
It’s not hard to see why. More time with friends and family, returning to their favourite sport, or going for a gentle stroll are just some of the activities people can enjoy.
4. Decreased Dependency on Pain Medication
Part of chronic pain is a chronic reliance on pain medication. Sounds innocuous, right? Isn’t pain medication a good thing?
Pain medication is fine if necessary to relieve short-term discomfort. However, relying on medications in the long term carries several risks. Ibuprofen, for example, is commonly used to relieve inflammation and reduce pain. But it can cause stomach ulcers if taken for prolonged periods. Meanwhile, opioids are renowned for their risk of dependence and drug addiction.
Without any pain, patients can reduce their dosage and eventually eliminate pain medication entirely.
5. Better Mental Health
What determines our mental health? It’s, in part, based on our success and happiness in several aspects of life. Yet, when we have severe hip problems, our opportunities for success and happiness are limited. That’s without mentioning the constant pain and discomfort.
In a study of 610 people, undergoing a total hip replacement surgery markedly improved mental health from the baseline. The greater the improvement in pain and hip function, the greater the effect on mental health.
The newfound freedom from chronic pain not only revitalises physical capabilities but also enhances emotional resilience and optimism, contributing significantly to a more fulfilling and enjoyable life.
6. Increased Activity and Exercise
Always dreamt of playing a few more games of golf? Fancy taking up ballroom dancing? With a new hip replacement, you can.
The reduction in pain and improvement in joint function often allows patients to engage in physical activities that were previously impossible. This has a double effect: not only does it build a happier, more fulfilling life, but keeping more activity promotes better overall health and cardiovascular fitness.
It’s a positive feedback cycle that keeps on giving. Having said that, some activities that carry an increased risk of hip dislocation are still off-limits.
7. Prevention of Joint Deformity
Osteoarthritis and other degenerative diseases often lead to joint deformity, where the shape and alignment of the hip deteriorate over time, causing additional pain and further restricting mobility. Hip replacement surgery addresses these issues by replacing the damaged joint with a prosthetic that is designed to mimic the natural anatomy of the hip.
Patients can expect this normal joint function to prevent any further deformity of the joint. If left untreated, the progressive deformity would continue to worsen due to the uneven wear and tear on the joint.
Furthermore, by maintaining correct joint alignment, the surgery helps to ensure that other joints, like the knees and the lower back, are not overstrained, thereby preserving overall skeletal health. This benefit is particularly crucial for maintaining mobility and independence as patients age.
8. Long-Term Durability
The latest generation of joints has lasted several decades, remaining in top condition. According to The Lancet, the 25-year surgical rate of hip replacement was around 58%. However, that includes early-generation replacements.
At Kardiolita Hospital, we only use 4th generation hip prosthetics made from the safest, most durable materials. These replacements should have a longer life expectancy compared to earlier models.
Kardiolita Hospital is one of the foremost hospitals in Lithuania, and it has a world-class orthopaedic unit. Our surgeons have decades of combined experience. We’ll help with everything from the operation to the recovery period, ensuring you get the most from your replacement. Plus, we do all this for a tenth of the average surgery price in Ireland.
Send us an enquiry today to learn more about our hip replacement surgery options.
