Whether it’s an injury or a naturally-occurring disease, problems in your hip can badly hamper your regular lifestyle. In a worst-case scenario, it might even render you incapable of basic movement.
Hip problems are usually more common in old people. According to Lifeline, around one in four people over 60 years of age will experience hip pain. Some of these problems occur naturally, while some take place due to accidents and other injuries.
According to the CDC, over 300,000 people above the age of 65 in the US are hospitalized due to hip fractures. In such cases, many opt for hip replacement surgeries as they tend to provide somewhat of a permanent relief from this problem. However, these surgeries might not always cure them a hundred percent.
In this article, we’ll narrow down the reasons why hip replacement surgeries might not always improve your overall lifestyle.
Unrealistic Expectations
One significant factor that can impact the overall outcome of a hip replacement surgery is the patient’s expectations. Many people enter into the procedure with high hopes of completely regaining their pre-injury mobility and ability to engage in physical activities without limitations. While modern surgical techniques and advancements have greatly improved the success rate of hip replacements, it is essential to remember that surgery cannot always return an individual to their pre-injury state, especially if their lifestyle was highly active.
The reality is that rehabilitation and recovery are vital aspects of the process. Some patients might need to make necessary lifestyle adjustments and adopt new habits to protect the longevity of the hip replacement and prevent further complications. Unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment, which in turn affects the overall perception of the surgery’s success.
Underlying Health Issues
In some cases, the lack of improvement after a hip replacement surgery might be linked to underlying health issues or comorbidities. Conditions such as osteoporosis, obesity, diabetes, or cardiovascular problems can hinder the healing process and limit the effectiveness of the surgery. Additionally, other joint-related problems or musculoskeletal disorders in different parts of the body might put added stress on the replaced hip, impacting its functionality and the patient’s overall lifestyle.
Before recommending a hip replacement, physicians typically conduct a thorough evaluation of the patient’s health to ensure that they are suitable candidates for the surgery. However, patients must be proactive in addressing any existing health concerns and adopting a healthier lifestyle to optimize the benefits of the procedure.
Inadequate Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
One of the most critical aspects of a successful hip replacement surgery is the post-operative rehabilitation process. Rehabilitation helps patients regain strength, flexibility, and mobility, which are vital for resuming daily activities. However, some patients might not be fully committed to the rehabilitation regimen due to various reasons, such as a lack of motivation, physical discomfort, or other commitments.
Skipping or not fully participating in rehabilitation exercises can significantly impact the outcome of the surgery. A comprehensive rehabilitation program, designed by experienced physical therapists, is crucial for achieving the best results. Patients must actively engage in the prescribed exercises and follow the rehabilitation plan diligently to enhance their chances of improving their overall lifestyle post-surgery.
Complications and Risks
Like any surgical procedure, hip replacement surgeries come with potential risks and complications. While modern medical techniques have reduced these risks significantly, complications such as infection, blood clots, implant dislocation, and nerve damage can still occur in some cases. In the unfortunate event that a complication arises, it can delay the recovery process and limit the improvement in the patient’s overall lifestyle.
Moreover, hip implants themselves are not always safe. This was something that became evident through the Exactech hip replacement lawsuit. Exactech hip implants have been used in hip replacement procedures for a long time. However, recently, these products have been recalled because they’ve been found to cause injuries to their users.
According to TorHoerman Law, around 200,000 Exactech implants have been recalled by the concerned authorities. Thus, the complications and risks of hip replacement surgery extend outside the surgery room and also include the products being used in the procedure.
To make sure such products aren’t used in your case, you need to consult an expert in the field who is aware of the latest developments surrounding hip replacement surgery.
Psychological and Emotional Factors
The impact of hip replacement surgery goes beyond just the physical aspect. Psychological and emotional factors can play a significant role in how well a patient recovers and adapts to the changes post-surgery. Some individuals may struggle with accepting the limitations imposed by their new hip or find it challenging to cope with post-surgery pain and discomfort.
Depression and anxiety are not uncommon in individuals who have undergone major surgeries and are grappling with changes in their bodies and lifestyle. These emotional factors can hinder their motivation to engage in rehabilitation and limit their overall satisfaction with the surgery’s results.
Conclusion
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, over 2.2 million people in the US got hip and knee surgeries in 2021. The number of people getting such surgeries is increasing every year and you too might need it at some point. However, as discussed above, know that such surgeries might not always improve your lifestyle the way you expect them to.
Therefore, you should always maintain certain expectations from these procedures instead of thinking that they will return your life back to normal entirely.
