Total Hip Replacement in Ahmedabad
What Is Total Hip Replacement?
Total hip replacement is a surgery that replaces a damaged hip joint with an artificial ball and socket. It is done when hip pain from arthritis, injury or bone damage does not improve with other treatment. Most patients walk with support the day after surgery and stay in hospital for 2 to 4 days.
Why Hips Get Damaged
The hip is a ball and socket joint. The ball is the top of the thigh bone. The socket is part of the pelvis. Common reasons for hip damage are:
- Osteoarthritis, from wear over time
- Avascular necrosis, when the blood supply to the ball is lost
- Fracture of the neck of the thigh bone, mostly after a fall in older adults
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritis
- Hip problems from childhood, such as hip dysplasia
- Old injuries and infections
Signs You May Need a Hip Replacement
- Pain in the groin, thigh or buttock, sometimes going to the knee
- Pain when walking, standing up or putting on shoes and socks
- Pain at night
- Stiffness and a limp
- Difficulty sitting cross-legged or squatting
- Shortening of one leg
- Pain that does not improve with medicine and exercise
Because hip pain can also come from the spine or knee, an examination and X-ray are needed to find the real cause.
Treatment Before Surgery
In early arthritis, weight loss, physiotherapy, walking aids and pain medicine can help. In avascular necrosis found early, some patients can try other treatment to save the joint. Hip replacement is advised when pain and stiffness continue and daily life suffers.
How Hip Replacement Surgery Is Done
- You receive spinal or general anaesthesia.
- The surgeon makes a cut over the hip and removes the damaged ball.
- The socket is cleaned and a new cup is placed in it.
- A stem is placed inside the thigh bone and a new ball is fixed on top.
- The joint is tested for movement and stability, then closed.
Surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Implants may be fixed with bone cement or pressed in so bone grows onto them. The choice depends on your age and bone quality.
After a hip fracture in an older person, doctors often advise surgery within 1 to 2 days so the patient can sit and walk early. This lowers the risk of complications from lying in bed. In some cases the surgeon replaces only the ball of the hip.
Recovery After Hip Replacement
| Time | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Stand and walk with a walker and physiotherapist |
| Day 2 to 4 | Practice walking and stairs, then discharge |
| Week 2 to 6 | Walker, then stick. Follow hip movement precautions your surgeon gives |
| Week 6 to 12 | Return to daily activity. Desk work often possible around 4 to 6 weeks |
| 3 to 6 months | Strength and walking keep improving |
Hip precautions depend on the surgical approach. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will tell you which movements to avoid, such as crossing your legs or sitting on very low seats, for the first few weeks.
Risks of Hip Replacement
- Infection
- Blood clots in the legs
- Dislocation of the new ball, most often in the first few months
- A small difference in leg length
- Nerve injury, which is uncommon
- Loosening or wear of the implant over many years
- Risks linked to anaesthesia
How Long Does a Hip Replacement Last?
Modern hip implants commonly last 15 to 25 years or more. Most patients have much less pain and can walk, climb stairs and return to normal daily life. Low impact activities like walking, swimming and cycling are usually fine.
Why Choose Dr. Ruchir Patel for Hip Replacement
- More than 1,000 joint replacements assisted at Shah Hospital, including hips
- Trained at Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, where he handled many hip fractures and complex cases
- Experience treating older patients and patients with insurance or PMJAY cards
Hip Replacement Cost in Ahmedabad
The cost depends on the implant type, the reason for surgery, your room type, tests, hospital stay and physiotherapy. You get a written estimate after consultation. Cashless insurance, no-cost EMI and PMJAY or MA cards may be used where eligible.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I have a hip replacement?
When hip pain, stiffness and limping continue despite other treatment and limit your daily life or sleep.
How long does hip replacement surgery take?
Usually 1 to 2 hours.
How long do I stay in hospital?
Most patients stay 2 to 4 days.
When can I walk after hip replacement?
Most patients stand and walk with a walker the day after surgery.
Can I sit cross-legged after hip replacement?
This depends on the surgical approach and your surgeon’s advice. Many patients are told to avoid it for the first few months.
Is hip replacement safe for older people?
Yes, in most cases. After a hip fracture, early surgery often helps older patients recover better than long bed rest.