What is a Hip Replacement Surgery?
A hip replacement, also called hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged hip joint with an artificial joint. This procedure is usually done to relieve pain and improve mobility in people with severe hip injuries or degeneration due to conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with metal and plastic joints. The metal parts of artificial joints are usually made of high-quality stainless steel or titanium, while the plastic parts are made of high-density polyethylene. Artificial joints are designed to mimic the motion of a natural hip joint as closely as possible.

Hip replacement surgery is usually done on an in-patient basis. Patients go home within 2-3 days of surgery. Most people who have had surgery can return to normal activity within a few weeks, but the recovery process varies depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery. It is usually recommended for people with severe hip pain and limited mobility due to hip arthritis or other conditions that seriously damage the hip joint.

What are the causes leading to Hip Replacement Surgery?
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the protective cartilage that protects the ends of bones wears away over time. This can lead to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility in the affected joint.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, causing pain, stiffness and deformity. It can affect any joint in the body, including the hip joint.

Fractures: Hip fractures and fractures can occur as a result of falls and other injuries. In some cases, fractures can be severe enough to require hip surgery.

Avascular Necrosis: Avascular necrosis is a condition in which the blood supply to the bone is interrupted and the bone dies. This can occur in the hip joint and may require hip replacement surgery to restore joint function.

Other conditions: Other conditions that may lead to hip replacement surgery include hip dysplasia (a congenital condition in which the hip joint is deformed) ankylosing spondylitis (a type of arthritis that affects the spine and hip joints), and osteonecrosis (state of osteonecrosis). where bone tissue dies due to lack of blood flow).

How to diagnose Hip Arthritis for hip replacement surgery
To diagnose hip arthritis and determine whether hip replacement surgery is needed, healthcare providers usually do the following:

Perform a Physical Exam: Your healthcare provider will examine your hip for signs of swelling, tenderness, or mobility.

Order Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans can be used to assess the condition of the hip joint and surrounding tissues.

Consider other Factors: Your provider may also take your age, general health, and lifestyle into consideration when deciding whether hip replacement surgery is right for you.
If a total hip replacement is recommended, your healthcare provider will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery and what to expect during and after surgery. It is important to ask questions and fully understand the procedure before making a decision.

Symptoms of Hip arthritis
The most common hip arthritis symptoms are:

Pain: Pain is the most common symptom of hip arthritis and can range from mild to severe. Pain may be felt in the hip joint itself or radiate to the groin, thigh or buttock. The pain may be exacerbated by putting weight on the affected hip.

Stiffness: Osteoarthritis of the hip can make the hip joint stiff and difficult to move. This stiffness may be more noticeable in the morning or during periods of inactivity.

Limited Mobility: when the hip joint becomes stiff and painful, making it difficult for people with hip arthritis to move their legs in certain directions, bend over, or perform certain activities such as climbing stairs.

Swelling: In some cases, joints affected by hip arthritis may swell.

Deformity: Severe osteoarthritis of the hip deforms the joint, and may result in lateral rotation of the leg and visible deformity of the hip joint.

It is important to note that the symptoms of hip arthritis vary greatly from person to person. Some people have mild symptoms that come and go, while others have more severe and persistent symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.

What happens after the Hip Replacement Surgery?
You will be hospitalized for 2-4 days. During this time, you will recover from anaesthesia and surgery. You may be asked to begin physical therapy and brisk walking on the first day after surgery.

Prognosis (outlook) of Hip Replacement Surgery?
The prognosis for hip replacement surgery is generally very good. Most people experience significant pain relief and improved mobility after surgery. Many people can return to normal activity and resume high levels of physical activity after a period of rehabilitation. It also depends on several factors, including your health and your level of physical activity. In general, young, healthy patients tend to have better outcomes than older, less healthy patients. It is also important to follow recommended post-surgical rehabilitation programs and take steps to maintain general well-being. This can improve the long-term success of surgery.

It is important to note that hip replacement surgery, like any surgery, carries risks such as infection, bleeding, and possible blood clots. However, the risks are generally small and can be minimized with good preoperative and postoperative care.

How much does hip surgery cost in Nigeria?
The cost of hip replacement surgery in Nigeria depends on many factors such as the type of implant used, the complexity of the procedure and the hospital or clinic where the surgery is performed. In general, hip replacement surgery can be an expensive procedure, costing a few million Naira.

It is important to note that the cost of hip replacement surgery in Nigeria may not be covered by insurance and the patient may have to pay for the surgery out of pocket. Some hospitals and clinics may offer financing options to help patients pay for their surgery.

It is recommended that you obtain quotes from Surjen Healthcare before deciding where to have your surgery. We also recommend that you consult with your insurance company to determine which hip replacement surgery coverage is available.