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Total hip replacement is an orthopaedic surgical procedure that
replaces a diseased hip joint with an artificial joint. Hip replacement
surgery can relieve your pain, increase your motion and help you
get back to enjoying normal life.
The artificial hip consist of two components:
- The ball component, made of highly polished strong metal or
ceramic material.
-The socket component, made of a durable cup of plastic, ceramic
or metal, which may have an outer metal shell.
Your surgeon takes few measurements to select the right size prosthesis
for you. During the surgery, he makes the incision to access the
hip joint, he pushes the femur out of the socket, removes the deteriorated
head of femur, clean and enlarge the acetabulum. He securely implants
the artificial acetabulum shell in the prepared hemispherical socket,
the plastic inner part of the implant is placed within the metal
shell and securely fixed into place. Then the femur is prepared
to receive the stem and finally the ball is seated in the shell,
and the incision is closed.
Special medical cement may be used to secure the hip replacement
to the remaining natural bone . Your hip replacement lasts 15 to
25 years depending on your activity.
-You need a letter from your GP or you orthopaedic doctor in UK
including details of any previous treatment received or any other
relevant medical details.
-You need to carry out the infection foci test : oral, dental
and urine test, in UK, and if there is any evidence of infection,
you need to treat it before you travel.
-The following test are carried out by the hospital in Tunisia
: Blood test, urine tests, X-ray : chest and knees, ECG and cardiac
US
Total hip replacement is carried out under spinal anaesthetic.
Total hip replacement surgery take 1 to 2 hours
You will be given pain killer to control the pain, blood thinning
medication, Hip X-ray is performed immediately after Hip replacement,
weight bearing is allowed 24 to 48 hours post surgery, your Physiotherapy
starts 24 hours after your total hip Replacement, drains are removed
in 3 to 5 days. You will stay 7 to 10 days in your private hospital
after which you will be discharged to your hotel or a comfortable
flat near the hospital, where you will get daily visits from your
physiotherapist and your nurse. Stitches are removed 10 to 12 day
post surgery |
- Joint infection : rare, but can occur, most commonly from bacteria
that enter your blood stream during dental procedures, urinary tract
infections, skin infections. These bacteria can lodge around your prosthesis
. If you notice one or more of the following symptoms, report it to your
doctor as soon as possible: persistent fever, shaking chills, increased
redness, tenderness or swelling of the hip wound, drainage from the hip
wound, increasing pain in both rest and activity. Joint infection can
be prevented by :taking antibiotic prior to dental work or any surgical
procedure that could allow bacteria to enter your blood stream.
Blood clots : more common, and can occur in the leg veins or pelvis,
Your surgeon may prescribe you a prevention program including light exercises
and blood thinning medication. Notify your doctor immediately if you
notice one or more of the following symptoms : pain in your calf and
leg, tenderness or redness of your calf, swelling of your thigh ,calf
or foot. These are some of the warning signs that a blood clot has travelled
to your lung: shortness of breath, chest pain.
Resuming walking and gentle activity is essential to your recovery,
most patient begin this activity within 24 hour of the surgery. Your
physiotherapist will assist you and teach you specific exercises to strengthen
your hip and restore movement for walking and other daily activities.
Some discomfort with activity and at night is common for several weeks.
You need to follow your surgeon instructions for a good and quick recovery.
Avoid getting the wound wet until it has thoroughly healed. Exercise
is essential especially during the first few weeks after surgery. Stitches
are removed in 10 days. A follow up hip X-ray is needed after 6weeks,
6 months and 12 months Make sure you visit your GP on your return to
UK for your hip replacement follow up.
10 days,
£3,900.00, the cost includes : surgery, pre and post surgery consultations,
prosthesis, hospital fees, investigations, physiotherapy,airport
transfers ( Tunis Carthage airport)
PS. If you wish to stay longer in Tunisia your hospital can arrange
you a comfortable, close by accommodation at a reasonable price |
