Hip Surgery in India

Overview;
Hip surgery is one of the most common procedures performed by orthopedic surgeons. Hip Surgery is often useful in restoring mobility, as well as relieves pain. The hip surgery may be necessary to correct any type of physical defect that has developed, or to repair damage caused by an accident of some kind. There are several different types of hip surgery that are commonly used today, ranging from repairs to a full hip replacement surgery. In the US alone, more than five lakh different Hip surgery procedures are performed annually.


What is Hip Surgery?
His Surgery is a procedure which deals with hip fractures, disorders and diseases which commonly require surgery to fix the medical ailment. The type of surgery depends upon the location of the ailment or disorder within the hip. The underlying health of the patient needs to be assessed, and the risks of general anesthesia need to be considered before deciding any procedure of Hip Surgery.


Purpose of Hip Surgery:
The most common reason for Hip Surgery and any other procedures is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis ultimately leads to deterioration of cartilage and bone, resulting in pain and in some cases total loss of mobility. Other forms of arthritis that resist pain management treatments and lead to degeneration of the hip joint may require hip surgery as well. Individuals with hip fractures may also benefit from hip surgery. Those with suppressed immune systems, heart disease and overall poor health may not be candidates for hip surgery and should discuss treatment options and risks with their doctor.


Causes for Hip Surgery:
For people suffering from pain in the hip joint or dysfunction of the hip joint, the Total Hip Replacement Surgery is an efficient option which helps to relieve pain in more than 90% of patients. The surgeons advise hip replacement to the patients suffering from:

• Osteoarthritis: it is one of the most common reasons for hip implant. Osteoarthritis commonly occurs after middle age and results into chronic damage of the cartilage in the joints. The old age people are generally advised Cemented Total Hip Replacement.
• Rheumatoid and other types of Arthritis: the patients suffering from damaged hip joint due to a chronic autoimmune disease and marked deformities, Ankylosing Spondylitis require hip replacement.
• Replacement of a broken or Infected Hip: the fractured hip also is a reason for hip surgery.
• Revision Hip Surgery: an old surgery going ineffective at times requires another hip surgery

Types of Hip Surgery:
There are several different types of Hip surgery that are commonly employed today, ranging from repair to a full hip replacement. Some forms of hip surgery are aimed at repairing fractures somewhere on the hipbone. The following are the major types of Hip Surgery:

• Arthroscopy: This is a procedure that can be done to remove any loose bodies or repair damaged cartilage in the hip joint. With this procedure, a small flexible camera, known as an arthroscope is inserted into the joint to help visualize the damage. The arthroscope can also be used to repair and remove damaged tissue. This sort of surgery is typically only used for patients with hip arthritis. These come in different types of like hemi Hemi-arthroplasty and Full-arthroplasty.
  
  
• Osteotomy: An Osteotomy is a surgical procedure in which the hip joint is cut and reshaped. It works particularly well for patients who are having hip problems due to an unusually shallow hip joint, which is also known as hip dysphasia. The bones are cut and then realigned to improve the stability of the joint. This procedure can help relieve pain and can delay the need for a replacement hip.
  
  
• Internal Fixation: An Internal fixation is a surgical procedure which is used to treat fractures. Internal fixation is an option if, after the fracture, the bones are still aligned properly. With this procedure metal screws are placed into the joint to hold the bones in place while they heal. Special nails, known as bone or gamma nails may also be inserted to provide additional support.
  
  
• Compression Screws: If a fracture occurs along the head of the femur int he hip joint, compression screws can be placed across the fracture. The screw is attached to a plate which is oriented to run along the femur, which is secured with other screws. As the bones heal, the screw keeps the edges of the fracture pressed together, which ensures that the edges grow together. Gamma nails may be placed along with the compression screws to prevent sliding and give more stability to the joint as it heals.
  
  
• Replacement: Severe hip damage may require joint replacement surgery. With joint replacement surgery, the damaged joint is cut out and removed and prosthesis, made up of metal and/or plastic is put in its place. These artificial joints are designed to provide similar stability and range of motion as the natural joint, but they can wear down after many years and may need to be replaced periodically.

Preparing for Hip Surgery:
You've been advised to have Hip Surgery. Before the surgery you want to find out as much as you can about the procedure and what to expect in the post-operation phase of the hip replacement. Your surgeon will be able to prescribe you a lifestyle change, and advice on how to adapt to it. Here are some steps to learn how and what to ask your surgeon before your Hip Surgery:

• Schedule a pre-operation physical to meet with your regular doctor before the surgery. This is usually standard procedure, and your doctor should have you book an appointment a few days before the operation to go over any final questions and concerns you have.
• Research the procedure so you can learn about it in layman's terms before you talk to your doctor. You can ask someone you know who has had the procedure how it was performed on them. Hip Surgery usually leaves a person with a 12 to 18 inch scar. There is a less invasive method which will leave a smaller scar, promote a quicker recovery time and a shorter hospital stay.
• Gather questions from your research. Compile a list of questions to bring to your pre-operational physical, and don't hold back. You want to know everything about the procedure, because it's going to be a part of the rest of your life.
1. How long does the procedure take?
2. How long until you will be able to walk, lift and bend?
3. What are the possible complications?
4. Will I need to donate my own blood before the surgery?
• Be specific with your questions and don't be shy. You want to know exactly how the procedure will be done, what your new hip will look like, the rate of success for the operation, what activities you will be able to do, how long you are likely to need to recover, warning signs of problems and anything else you should expect.
• Ask your doctor who the surgeon is, and find out the surgeon's qualifications. Ask how many hip replacement surgeries the surgeon has performed and their success rate. Have faith that the surgeon is qualified to perform the operation, but getting to know him or her before the surgery might relieve some of your concerns.
• Write down all the information you obtained, and review it before your surgery to make sure you know what you are likely to encounter after the procedure. This will help you put to rest your concerns and make you think of more questions, if necessary.

Common Procedures for Hip Surgery:

The following are the common procedures which are adopted under
Hip surgery:

• 
  Hip Osteotomy: A Hip Osteotomy is a surgical procedure in which the bones of the hip joint are cut, reoriented, and fixed in a new position. Healthy cartilage is placed in the weight-bearing area of the joint, followed by reconstruction of the joint in a more normal position. A Hip Osteotomy is performed under general anesthesia. Once the patient has been anesthetized, the surgeon makes an incision to expose the hip joint. The surgeon then proceeds to cut away portions of damaged bone and tissue to change the way they fit together in the hip joint. This part of the procedure may involve removing bone from the femoral head or from the acetabulum, allowing the bone to be moved slightly within the joint. By changing the position of these bones, the surgeon tries to shift the brunt of the patient's weight from damaged joint surfaces to healthier cartilage. He or she then inserts a metal plate or pin to keep the bone in its new place and closes the incision.
  
  
  
• Total Hip Replacement: Hip replacement is perhaps the most common joint replacement surgery. It is considered in patients with progressive arthritis that affects the patient's ability to do daily activities. Hip resurfacing is an alternative to hip replacement. The choice of procedure is a joint decision made by the orthopedic surgeon and patient to be able to return the patient to the level activity that they would like to achieve. Hip replacement surgery can be performed traditionally or by using what is considered a minimally-invasive technique. The main difference between the two procedures is the size of the incision. During standard hip replacement surgery, you are given general anesthesia to relax your muscles and put you into a temporary deep sleep. This will prevent you from feeling any pain during the surgery. A spinal anesthetic also may be given to help prevent pain. You will likely stay in the hospital for four to six days and may have to stay in bed with a wedge-shaped cushion between your legs to keep the new hip joint in place.
  
  
  
• Hemi-Arthroplasty: This procedure is, as its name implies, hemi, or "half" of an arthroplasty. This procedure is usually performed as treatment for a hip fracture where there is no chance of salvaging the femoral head, due to irreparable damage to the blood supply, yet the patient's acetabulum (socket) is in good condition, and not in need of a prosthetic cup implant. The fractured femoral head is removed, and sized for selection of a corresponding head implant. The femur bone canal is opened, and reamed to accommodate a prosthetic stem. These parts are either cemented into place, or "press-fit" to stimulate bone in-growth into the prosthesis. It is a very stable combination, and allows for early mobilization of the typical elderly patient to reduce the risks of other medical complications.
  
  
• Hip Resurfacing: Hip resurfacing is done in an attempt to preserve existing bones. Resurfacing involves capping the existing ball joint with a metal covering to improve range of motion and mobility. As in other hip replacement surgeries, a rod is inserted into the femur and capped with a metal ball joint replacement. Unlike other surgeries, hip resurfacing does not require removal of the top of the femur. The bone is reshaped and the ball cap is fitted over the existing bone. This procedure is done more often in younger patients and those without major bone loss. Hip resurfacing surgery is a possible consideration for patients with severe hip arthritis. Hip resurfacing has been recommended to patients who are younger, and may face multiple surgeries over the course of their lifetime.
  
  
  
• Girdlestone: In some patients, typically ones with severe mental and physical handicaps such as cerebral palsy, hip fractures occur due to spastic movement of the leg(s), or even from positioning them in bed by caregivers. The typical candidate for a Girdlestone procedure is one who does not walk at all, and will never walk. The procedure is done to relieve pain, and to improve quality of care. The procedure involves the complete removal of the fractured head and proximal (nearest the hip) portion of the femur; to the extent it is involved. The end of the bone is covered with muscle to provide a cushion between the femur and the socket. This creates a form of "soft" joint or "false" joint, and cannot tolerate weight-bearing.

Recovery after Hip Surgery:
Recovery from any of the type of Hip Surgery may take several months to a year, depending on the type of surgery involved and the patient's overall health and age. Full recovery from hip resurfacing is usually shorter than replacement surgery and full mobility is expected within two to three months of the procedure. In the first six weeks following all three surgeries, individuals will have very limited mobility and normal daily activities such as driving should be avoided until their doctor approves increased activity. Physical therapy after hip surgery is shown to speed the recovery process and increase strength and mobility.

Alternatives to Hip Surgery;
There are other operations that can be useful in treating hip disease:

• Hip fusion (Arthrodesis): was frequently performed before the era of hip replacement. The hip ball is fused to the pelvis. This is a single-operation, permanent-cure for the painful hip. Lost hip motion is made up by extra movement of the knees and spine. You must have a normal spine, normal knees, and a normal opposite hip for Arthrodesis to be even considered. Few people today will accept the inconvenience of a stiff hip joint. It is usually only offered to very young people whose work involves heavy manual labor.
  
  
• Femoral Hemiarthroplasty: (“half a hip replacement”) is sometimes offered to younger patients, when the hip ball is damaged, but the socket cartilage is normal, such as in patients who have osteonecrosis (see Introduction to Hip Disease). The socket is not replaced. The femur component is similar to that of a total hip replacement, but it has a large ball, sized to fill the socket. The metal ball moves directly against the socket cartilage, which can wear out and become painful, requiring a second operation to install an artificial socket. These are usually displaced fractures of the neck of the femur (see figure below). The implant is almost always cemented for hip fractures, except in patients under 65 or so, depending again on bone quality.
  
  
• Core Biopsy: It involves removing a core of bone about one quarter-inch in diameter from the femoral head using a coring device. It is used in the earliest stages of osteonecrosis (see Introduction to Hip Disease) in the hope that it will allow the blood supply to return to the femoral head. Some doctors report 85% success rate with this procedure, but generally the results are much less optimistic. Because there is a danger of fracturing the weakened bone, patients have to be on crutches for six weeks. If the procedure is unsuccessful, you will almost certainly need a hip replacement.

The Cost of Hip Surgery in India:
Significant cost difference is the key in bringing patients all across the world for Hip Surgery in India. India is not only cheaper but offers quality service in terms of treatment and service. Cost is often the deciding factors for international patients coming for any Hip Surgery in India.

Top Orthopedic Surgeons in India:
Indian orthopedic surgeons are educated from recognized medical colleges in India or abroad and generally have a work experience of five to seven years and more. The required Qualifications for an Orthopedic Surgeons in India are:

• MS in Orthopedic
• MCH in Joint replacement
• DNB/FRCS/MRCS from International Colleges and Hospitals
• International Fellowship and Training Programs
• Publications and Paper Presentations in Reputed Scientific and Medical Journals
• Wide Clinical Experience

Orthopedic surgeons (orthopedists) in India perform many procedures including:

• setting broken bones and putting on casts
• diagnosing sprain and other joint and ligament "pulls"
• treating joint conditions such as slipped disks, dislocations, arthritis, and back problems
• treating bone tumors and birth defects of the skeleton
• surgically repairing hip, knee, shoulder, ankles, wrists, elbows, feet and hand joints
• treating degenerative disease of the joints
• replacement of joint with prostheses (arthroplasty)

Top Orthopedic Hospitals in India:

• When you visit any of the top listed Orthopedic Hospitals in India, you will receive top-notch treatment and the benefits of skilled surgeons and staff dedicated to getting patients back on their feet.
• These orthopedic hospitals combine the most recent developments in orthopedic medicine with state-of-the-art methodologies in orthopedic surgery offering new alternatives that were, until recently, non-existent.
• The orthopedic centers in India bring focus to patient-centered care, interdisciplinary medicine, modern infrastructure, cutting edge technology and investigative research. Educational programs are available for patients include interactive video tutorials, reference libraries, on-line consultations, world-wide second opinion networks, and patient-to-patient chat rooms.
• Hospitals for Orthopedic Surgery in India are world leaders in the diagnosis and surgical and non-surgical treatment of orthopedic conditions. These hospitals perform more than 22,000 surgical procedures each year.
• Indian Cities where top and world renowned Orthopedic surgery hospitals situated are;

Plan your Orthopedic Surgery in India with Tour2India4Health:
Global medicine, or in other words medical tourism, is very common worldwide. There are several reasons why so many are seeking their orthopedic surgery in India; the quality of treatment, the array of available treatments, a very reasonable price range, and the fact that excellent orthopedic solutions are offered through safe medicine.

Combining your medical procedures with exotic travel and vacation destinations, it is suggested that the patients deal with reputable companies specializing in such business. Tour2India4Health has been into medical tourism for a very long time and has arranged various treatments and surgeries to many international citizens.

Our experience and the experience of our patients indicate that in orthopedics, it is vital to pay attention to details, and there are many examples that attest to this fact. Beginning with the hospital stay, our patients will experience the comfort and luxury offered in India. Facilities provided by Tour2India4Health include;

Orthopedic Surgery and Medical Tourism in India: