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In 12 hours return to your home
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Consultant,
Cheif of Orthopaedic Department at G. H. Lefkada. Large Joint Surgeon.
Trained in the reconstructive surgical techniques of large joints with emphasis on special cases of material revision, treatment of inflammation or other complex joint conditions.
Specialized in hip and knee diseases using custom-made arthroplasty (adapted and manufactured to the patient's particular anatomy), using Conventional Surgical Technique, Robotics or Augmented Reality Navigation System.
The majority of patients walk without aids (crutches, walkers, etc.) 3-4 hours after surgery. If conditions permit, you could go home at the end of the operation day. The time of complete recovery varies from person to person. The goal of our team is to return to all activities as soon as possible and this is achieved primarily with the technique we apply. In addition, specialized anaesthesia protocols and exercises assist in immediate rehabilitation as well as the selection innovative materials.
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The surfaces that meet the two bones of the joint are covered by a smooth slippery surface, known as cartilage. This combined with the synovial fluid allows the bones to move between them without friction of them which means zero bone loss and zero pain.
Osteoarthritis wears out the cartilage, as a result of which it becomes thinner or even eliminated in some areas. This results in direct contact with the bones of the joint which can cause swelling, pain and dysfunction of the joint (restriction of movement) up to immobility of the joint.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and the hip is the second most commonly affected joint. Everyone's joints go through a cycle of wear and tear during their lives, and the occurrence of arthritis is multifactorial. Also the bones trying to cope with the wear of the joint try to self-repair as a result of which their shape and structure changes.
Damage to the cartilage that covers the ends of bones and helps joints move smoothly.
Caused by an overactive immune system, rheumatoid arthritis produces a type of inflammation that can erode the cartilage and occasionally the underlying bone, resulting in the destruction and deformation of the joint.
Incomplete hematosis in the spherical part (head) of the hip joint, which can result from a dislocation or fracture, can deform or even destroy it.
Congenital anatomical is an abnormality of the hip area in which the spherical head of the femur does not apply completely to the hemispherical acetabulum as it should. This is due to an alteration of the head or also to a shallow acetabulum resulting in non-absolute overlapping of each other.
During hip replacement, a surgeon removes the damaged parts of the joint and replaces them with artificial parts usually made of metal, ceramic and a very hard plastic. This artificial joint helps relief the pain and improve function. Hip joint replacement surgery (total arthroplasty) is an option when hip pain interferes with daily activities and non-surgical treatments are no longer effective.
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After surgery, you will remain in the resuscitation of the operating room for a while where medical staff will monitor your blood pressure, pulse, alertness and level of consciousness as well as your possible need for medication. Soon you will be back on your bed in the clinic and begin immediate mobilization (walking) with the help of specialized physiotherapists. Finally, you will be given instructions on strengthening and mobilization exercises. How long you will stay after surgery in the hospital depends on your individual needs. The majority of the patients can go home on the same day.
During the operation, the surgeon will make an incision in front and above the hip according to the normal folds of the skin and through the muscles, remove the damaged sections leaving the healthy bones intact. With special tools it will properly shape the parts (pelvis and femur) of the bones that will receive the implants. Then he will insert a metal stem at the top of the femur as well as the pelvis where a hard plastic and a ceramic or metal ball will be added between them so that we can have an accurate simulation of the joint resulting in a fully functional joint (as it was before it was destroyed) and free from pain, discomfort and any malfunction. (Surgery is usually completed within an hour)
A clinical examination will be done by the orthopedic surgeon where he will:
·ask about your medical history and medications you may be taking
·examine your hip, paying attention to the range of motion of the joint and the strength of the muscles involved
· perform blood tests and x-rays of the joint (MRI or CT scan is rarely needed)
Complete recovery from a hip replacement varies from person to person, but most people return to their activities after surgery. High-impact activities such as running or basketball may be more strenuous on the artificial joint but can be replaced with milder ones such as swimming and cycling ensuring a longer life of the implants. Technically, any previous activity can be performed.
Book an AppointmentOrthopedist at the General Hospital of Lefkada, with ease of appointments and quick access to specialized orthopaedic surgeries.
