I would like more information on hip replacement surgery. I expect to undergo this procedure in the next few months.
In hip replacement surgery, all or part of the hip joint may be removed and replaced with artificial (or prosthetic) components. Typically, the joint degenerates due to arthritis, causing pain and inflammation. In severe cases, there can be bone-on-bone friction.
Hip replacements are rarely recommended as the first course of treatment, but only when the pain is unremitting or the patient becomes disabled. You can find detailed information on hip replacements in the National Institutes of Health article linked below. Most hospitals and surgeons prepare the patient by providing extensive educational materials well in advance of the operation.
Since you have some time before your surgery, you may want to do a few things to ensure the best possible outcome. Make sure both your surgeon and the hospital have extensive experience performing hip replacements. Talk to others who have had the surgery.
With your doctor’s consent and guidance, start a fitness program that includes aerobic and muscle building exercises. That may help you weather the surgery better and speed your rehabilitation. Learning a relaxation technique, such as guided imagery or meditation, can also be useful, especially to ease your fears about the surgery.
Reference: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases