Medical Procedures

[Jack B]

Hi there, can anyone tell me how they actually perform a Total Hip Replacement - I am interested to know. Ideally it would be good if anyone could recommend some websites which explain how they perform general medical procedures in 'Layman's' terms. Thanks for your help!

[pandoradeus]

here we go! The surgeon makes a cut about 18" long from the top of your pelvic bone to mid thigh on the outside. The neck of femur , the ball end of the bone is taken away (gruesomely) and part of the neck of femur (the bit under the ball joint) is also taken. Then, depending on what its being replaced with, depends on what happens next, but basically the replacement is screwed into the remaining femur (long leg bone). Then all sewn up again! After 24 hours, post op, you should be up and about with help. Depending on the ward policy. Hope that helps

[pandoradeus]

http://www.xray2000.f9.co.uk/radpath/t/thr.htm
try that

[Jack B]

Thanks Pando - this is exactly what I was after!!! Do they actually get the old ball out of the socket by dislocating the hip - I presume so??....

[pandoradeus]

yes the hip is dislocated and literally you have your foot by your ear. BUT you are asleep when all this is going on!