Most people may have come across the term ‘hip arthroplasty’ however, they probably have a vague idea of what it means. Hip Arthroplasty is a procedure which doctors perform as a last resort to any issue that is associated with the hip joint in the body. Here, medical experts insert an artificial hip joint in place of the patient’s original one. Taking such a step may be necessary to provide relief to the patient. The procedure alleviates pains and stiffness in the region. Pains can be arrested, and the patient is able to move about freely without pains.
Ryan Shephard – An insight into hip arthroplasty
Dr.Ryan Shephard is an esteemed and popular orthopedic surgeon in Gaylord, Michigan. He has been associated with several credible healthcare institutions in the past and is a graduate from The Michigan State University in the USA. He has over 4 years of experience in Orthopedic Surgery and has been associated with Alpena Medical Regional Center, Charlevoix Area Hospital, Otsego Memorial Hospital, Mercy Hospital-Grayling and lends his services to other physicians in medical groups.
What happens during the procedure?
When it comes to the procedure of hip arthroplasty, he says that patients should be educated about the benefits and risks involved. The monetary charges for the procedure depend on the condition of the patient and the time of the surgery. The procedure consists of an implant being inserted in the patient. This implant resembles the hip joint and comprises a socket, ball, stem, and liner. All these parts need to be aligned correctly during the procedure. Once the procedure is over, patients are able to move their limbs freely.
Duration of the procedure
The procedure generally lasts for 2 hours or so. An incision is made by the surgeon to insert the implant at the correct spot. The recovery period for a patient differs from person to person. Doctors recommend physiotherapy for recovery. Simple exercises engaging the whole body helps the patient to recover gradually with the passage of time. The patient needs to follow up regularly with the doctor and report any issues or discomfort as and when they may arise.
Possible side effects of the procedure – Inflammation and swelling
Every surgical procedure has a side effect; however, they differ from person to person. One should know what to expect from the procedure before agreeing to it. The common side effects that a patient might suffer from due to this procedure is the swelling and inflammation of the hip region. Blood clots may rise, and if proper care is not maintained post-surgery, there are chances of infection as well.
Dr. Ryan Shephard concludes by saying that medical experts generally will resort to a hip arthroplasty as a last resort to issues associated with the area. Physical therapy often helps patients to alleviate mild pains. However, if the medical issue is serious, he says a surgery becomes mandatory. However, one should always be educated and aware of the pros and cons of the procedure so that informed decisions can be taken with success!
