Total Hip Replacement | Best hospital for hip surgery

Total hip replacement is a transformative surgical procedure designed to restore mobility, alleviate chronic hip pain, and significantly improve the quality of life for patients suffering from debilitating hip conditions. Whether you are a resident of Dubai, an expatriate living here, or an elderly patient exploring treatment options, understanding the entire process from preoperative preparation and the surgery itself to postoperative rehabilitation can help you make an informed decision about this life-changing intervention.

Understanding the Hip Joint

The hip is one of the largest weight-bearing joints in the human body. It is a ball-and-socket joint, consisting of:

• Femoral head (the ball): The top portion of the thigh bone (femur).
• Acetabulum (the socket): A cup-shaped structure in the pelvic bone.
• Articular cartilage: A smooth, resilient layer covering the surfaces of the femoral head and acetabulum, allowing friction-free movement.
• Synovial membrane and fluid: The lining and fluid that lubricate and nourish the joint.

When the cartilage wears away or is severely damaged, the bones rub against each other, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Over time, these symptoms can become debilitating, impacting everything from walking and climbing stairs to everyday tasks such as dressing or driving.

Why Consider a Total Hip Replacement Dubai?

A Total Hip Replacement (also known as total hip arthroplasty) replaces the damaged or diseased parts of the hip joint with artificial implants. This surgical procedure is particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing:

• Severe hip pain that disrupts daily activities
• Limited range of motion
• Hip stiffness or locking
• Chronic inflammation or arthritis not responding to conservative treatments
• Reduced quality of life due to persistent discomfort

For many elderly patients and those with chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or avascular necrosis, total hip replacement can restore independence, minimize pain, and dramatically improve overall well-being.

Who Needs Total Hip Replacement?

Signs and Symptoms

• Persistent hip pain that interferes with daily activities
• Stiffness in the hip joint
• Reduced range of motion
• Difficulty in walking or climbing stairs

Common Conditions

• Osteoarthritis: degenerative joint disease causing cartilage breakdown.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation.
• Hip fractures: often due to accidents or falls, particularly in elderly patients.

What is the preparation for total hip replacement?

You will undergo different tests beforehand to ensure you are healthy enough for the procedure. These will include:

• Blood tests
• A review of your medical history
• A physical examination. This will assess the hip, paying attention to the range of motion, stability, strength, and overall leg alignment
• X-rays these images help to determine the extent of damage and deformity in your hip
• Other tests, like occasionally blood tests, or advanced imaging such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, may be needed to determine the condition of the bone and soft tissues of your hip

Our team will provide you with a complete set of instructions about preparing yourself for surgery. These can include:

• Not eating or drinking anything before the surgery for 8 hours or more
• Having someone to stay with you immediately after surgery
• Your doctor might ask you to stop taking certain medications and supplements
• Arrange for a ride home

Before the procedure of total hip arthroplasty

Our nurse inserts an IV line for injecting medication and fluids through your vein. You will be given an intravenous antibiotic before, during, and after the procedure to help prevent post-surgical infection.

Your surgeon might also give you a nerve block by injecting an anaesthetic in and around the joint to help block pain after your surgery. You may be put under general anaesthesia, which means you will not be conscious before and during the surgery, or under spinal anaesthesia, which leaves you awake but unable to feel pain from your waist down.

During the procedure

The surgical procedure takes a couple of hours and is composed of four parts, as follows:

• Exposure: Your surgeon makes an incision over the front or side of your hip and retracts the layers of tissue to expose the hip The diseased and damaged bone and cartilage are removed, leaving healthy bone intact
• Socket preparation: The damaged socket in the pelvic bone is prepared to receive a new prosthetic socket fixed by pressfit and/or screws
• Thighbone preparation: The round spherical head of your femur will be removed then the thighbone canal will be prepared to fit a stem in the correct position to which a prosthetic ball is attached
• Closure: The prosthetic joint parts are reduced and the wound is closed after final cleaning

After the procedure:

• You are brought to the recovery room until you recover from anaesthesia
• Your vital signs are closely monitored the entire time
• You will be encouraged to move your foot and ankle, which increases blood flow to your leg muscles and helps prevent swelling and blood clots
• You will likely receive blood thinners and wear support hose or compression boots to further protect against swelling and clotting
• You will be asked to do frequent breathing exercises and gradually increase your activity level
• The day after surgery, you will walk full weight bearing on your operated limb with your physical therapist, who will recommend strengthening and mobility exercises and will help you learn how to use a walking aid, such as a walker, a cane, or crutches
• After you leave the hospital, you will continue physical therapy at home or a centre. You will be asked to keep a pillow between your legs when sleeping and to sit on a toilet seat elevator for 6 weeks after surgery
• The report of the procedure, discharge medications, and follow-up appointment details will be provided to you at the time of discharge

Life After Total Hip Replacement (arthroplasty)

A total hip replacement can dramatically enhance your quality of life by reducing or eliminating hip pain, restoring mobility, and helping you engage in activities once limited by joint discomfort. Many patients can walk longer distances, climb stairs more comfortably, and return to low-impact sports like golf or swimming.

Nevertheless, it is crucial to maintain a regular exercise program, avoid high-impact activities that could stress the artificial joint, and attend follow-up appointments to monitor the implant’s integrity. Good nutrition, healthy weight management, and an active lifestyle further prolong the life of your new hip.

Why Fakeeh University Hospital is the best hospital for total hip replacement surgery?

Fakeeh University Hospital (FUH) in Dubai stands out as a leading destination for Total Hip Replacement, providing a blend of cutting-edge technology, clinical expertise, and a patient-focused approach. Here are a few reasons why FUH is the top choice:

• Highly Skilled Orthopedic Team
  
• Advanced Surgical Technology
  
• Comprehensive Patient Care
  
• Commitment to Patient Safety
  
• Multilingual and Culturally Sensitive Care
  

If you’re considering a total hip replacement or exploring other orthopedic solutions, visit our website at fuh.care for more information on state-of-the-art treatments, patient success stories, and advanced surgical options. Our commitment to delivering world-class healthcare ensures you receive the best possible care on your journey to better hip health.