Hip arthroplasty is a major surgical procedure in which diseased cartilage and bone of the hip joint are surgically removed and replaced with artificial materials. The normal hip joint is a ball and socket joint, with the socket being comprised of a cup-shaped bone of the pelvis called the acetabulum. The ball is the head of the thigh bone (femur).

In our procedure for total hip joint replacement our orthopedic surgeon removes the diseased ball and socket, replacing them with a metal ball and stem that is inserted into the femur bone and an artificial cup socket made of various materials that is placed in the pelvis.

The metallic artificial ball and stem are referred to as a prosthesis. Our surgeon grafts the prosthesis into the central core of the femur with special cement called methyl methacrylate. In some cases, a cement less prosthesis may be used which has microscopic pores that allow for bony in-growth from the normal femur into the prosthetic stem. This cement less hip is felt to have a longer life span than a cemented prosthesis and is considered preferable, especially for younger patients.

The procedure for hip arthroplasty is performed at AngelesHealth Tijuana under general anesthesia and generally takes two to four hours. Pre-operative preparations can take additional time.

Hip replacements are performed most often to relieve the pain of progressively severe arthritis in the hip joint. Degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) of the hip joint is the most common type of arthritis hip replacement is chosen to treat. Osteoarthritis can occur with aging, with congenital abnormality of the hip joint, or because of prior trauma to the hip joint.

A hip replacement may be recommended to treat patients with other conditions as well, including bony fractures of the hip joint, rheumatoid arthritis, and death (aseptic necrosis) of the hip bone. Hip bone necrosis can be caused by a hip fracture, through disease (such as systemic lupus erythematosus), and other conditions such as a kidney transplant.

Progressively intense chronic pain and the impairment of daily functions such as walking, climbing stairs, and even arising from a sitting position, eventually become reasons to consider a hip replacement, especially in older patients.

Because replaced hip joints can fail with time, whether and when to perform a hip arthroplasty is not an easy decision, especially for younger patients. Replacement is most often considered once pain becomes so severe that it impedes normal function despite the use of anti-inflammatory and/or pain medications.

Hip joint arthroplasty is an elective procedure, meaning it is an option selected among other alternatives. The decision to have hip replacement surgery must be made with a thorough understanding of the potential risks and benefits of the procedure, as well as the anticipated outcome, and will be considered carefully between the patient and orthopedic specialists at AngelesHealth.

Benefits of Hip Replacement Surgery

The greatest benefit of hip replacement for most of our patients is dramatic pain relief. Most of Angeles Hospital Tijuana patients have complete, or near complete, relief of pain. Studies indicate 80% or more of hip replacement patients are completely pain free after their operation. Range of hip movement and mobility also improves moderately in most patients.

After surgery, most patients are better able to perform certain activities of daily life, with some finding they can become completely independent, while others may continue requiring aids or help from others. Patients who undergo hip arthroplasty reduce the need for community medical resources such as home visits from general practitioners or district nurses and generally improve their own quality of life as well as that of their helpers.

Some patients find they need to continue taking antarthritic drugs after surgery and older patients needed to spend longer in hospital after surgery because of complications.

Risks of Hip Replacement Surgery

Complications of hip replacement surgery include the possibility of blood clots forming in the lower extremities that can travel to the lungs, creating pulmonary embolism. Severe cases of pulmonary embolism are rare but can cause respiratory failure and shock. Other potential problems include difficulty with urination, local skin or joint infection, fracture of the bone during or after surgery, scarring and limitation of motion of the hip.

Loosening of the prosthesis is possible in time, which eventually leads to prosthesis failure and the necessity of additional surgery. Because hip arthroplasty requires anesthesia, the usual risks of anesthesia apply and include heart arrhythmias, liver toxicity, and pneumonia.

After surgery, the patient is taken to a recovery room for immediate observation which generally lasts one to four hours. Our recovery room nurses closely observe the patient’s lower extremities for both adequate sensation and circulation. Unusual symptoms of numbness or tingling are noted to the recovery room staff immediately. Once stabilized, the patient is transferred to one of our hospital rooms for a recovery period of two to four days.

During the immediate recovery period, patients receive intravenous fluids. Intravenous fluids are important to maintain a patient’s electrolytes as well as for administering antibiotics. Tubes also drain fluid from the surgical wound site. The amount and character of the drainage is important to the doctor and can be monitored closely by the attending nurses. A dressing is applied in the operating room, which remains in place for two to four days to be later changed by our attending surgeon and staff.

All hip replacement patients at AngelesHealth Mexico are assigned a Patient Facilitator, who handles all medical and travel arrangements free of charge. Your Patient Facilitator will provide you with a full itinerary that tells you exactly what you can expect every step of the way on your medical travel trip.

The Hip Replacement Package at AngelesHealth Tijuana includes:

• 3-4-day hospitalization.
• All testing and exams prior to treatment
• All related medical and procedure costs: gastroenterologists, anesthesia, equipment and nursing care
• A dedicated Case Manager who will guide your pre- and post-treatment experience
• A pre-treatment consultation if necessary
• Travel to and from the airport