What are the symptoms of hip replacement dislocation? How can this be treated?
Hip replacement is a wonderful surgery that is designed to alleviate pain and grant mobility for those who have endured catastrophic damage to the hip joint. While it is generally an extremely effective procedure, complications do exist, one of which includes dislocation of the hip.
This blog will discuss symptoms a patient would endure if their hip replacement were to become dislocated, treatment options for this injury, and how one might prevent this from happening.
What is Hip Replacement Dislocation?
A dislocation of a hip replacement means that the ball of the artificial hip joint, the femoral head, has moved out of its socket, the acetabulum.
This is usually moderately painful and requires prompt medical attention. Fortunately, it does not happen too often, but when it does, it can happen within a relatively short period following surgery or with any number of risk factors.
What are the symptoms of hip replacement dislocation?
It is very important to identify the signs of a dislocated hip so one can get timely treatment and avoid complications. The symptoms of hip replacement dislocation vary in their severity, but in general, they include:
- Severe pain
- Difficulty moving your leg.
- Obvious deformity of the hip.
- Swelling and bruising
- Difficulty standing on the leg.
- Numbness of the hip or foot.
- The hip may appear to be out of place.
If these hip replacement dislocation symptoms persist, one should never wait but consult a health expert immediately, as early treatment plays an important role in better recovery and avoiding complications.
Causes of Hip Replacement Dislocation
Dislocation of the hip after replacement surgery can be due to following reasons.
- If the new joint is not correctly aligned, the joint may end up being dislocated.
- Accident or fall: Hip dislocation may happen upon sudden fall or bump.
- Too much activity: If the patient overdoes activities or moves the hip too much, the hip becomes dislocated.
- Poor muscle tone: When the muscles around the hip are not strong enough to keep the joint in place, a dislocation can occur.
- Poor Rehabilitation: Generally, skipping or not doing the exercises correctly after rehab may raise the risk for this complication of dislocation.
Being aware of these factors and adhering to your doctor’s advice can help prevent a dislocation.
Also Read: How long does partial hip replacement surgery take?
How can this be treated?
If you have a hip dislocation, getting the right and timely treatment will help ease your pain, get your joint moving again, and avoid complications. Treatment for hip dislocation includes the following:
1- Joint Realignment: Reduction is a term describing the maneuvers in which physicians will carefully guide the displaced hip back into its normal position. This is usually done with the aid of sedation or anesthesia, so you are comfortable and the process is as precise as it gets.
2- Pain Management: After the hip has been reduced, pain management becomes a concern. You could be given medication to help with pain and inflammation. For mild discomfort, applying ice and keeping the area at rest will help.
3- Immobilization: To ensure the healing process of your hip and to avoid further dislocation, your hip might be braced or splinted. This will keep the joint stable during its recovery process.
4- Rehabilitation: This, in essence, means going back to normal; for which the main component involves physical therapy.
An individualized exercise program would strengthen the muscles of your hip and enhance stability, and it will have your movement return in a progressive manner to where it needs to be. Adherence to your rehabilitation program is important for an optimal outcome.
5- Surgery can be necessary: In instances of repeated dislocations or failure in the artificial hip prosthesis, additional surgery might be performed. This may involve the fixation or replacement of partial parts of the hip prosthesis to improve its stability and functionality.
Timely and proper hip dislocation treatment will make a huge difference in your recovery process; therefore, you should never delay seeking treatment if you suspect the dislocation of your hip.
Also Read: Total Hip Replacement Vs Partial
Prevention Strategies
The prevention of hip dislocation is thus a combination of painstaking care and some positive actions. Each of these can be broadly outlined below:
1- Follow the Instructions post-Surgery: This essentially means being compliant with your surgeon’s advice. One should not undertake activities that may interfere with the site of operation or put additional weight on the hip.
2- Be Committed to Rehabilitation: Regular physical therapy will become very important. This strengthening of the surrounding muscles increases stability for the joint and thus minimizes the possibility of dislocation.
3- Avoid high-risk activities: Avoid activities that may put a high level of stress on your hip, especially during the healing process. Examples include high-impact sports and movements that extend beyond the normal range of your hip.
4- Assistive Devices: In cases where the doctor recommends, devices such as walkers or canes will help you balance your feet and protect you from falls, which might dislocate the hip.
For a personalized touch on coping with hip replacements and preventing dislocation, please consult Dr. Muthana Sartawi.
Set an appointment today with him, and his expertise will duly provide you with the best advice and treatment plan that suits your needs. Allow yourself to recover smoothly and better your condition in terms of your hip.
