Walking

Walking causes almost no spinal irritation and helps to align the vertebral column after surgery. Walking also helps speed up the healing process as nutrients can reach the injured tissues to help with repair.

Water activities

Water activities such as water aerobics are good post surgery rehabilitation exercises that are low impact, yet allow a full body workout. The water will support the body weight making it feel like a low gravity setting. As a result, the compressive forces in the spinal columns are significantly reduced, allowing for a better recovery.

Stability Stretching

After surgery, the soft tissues will take roughly 2 to 3 weeks to heal. Once the soft tissues are fully healed, stretching exercises should be done a few times daily to regain a full range of motion. Bear in mind that stretching should only start after your physiotherapist has given the all clear. Due to surgery, the back muscles have lost the ability to stabilize due to a lack of motion. As such, daily stability stretching exercises should be done until the back has fully regained the ability to be stable.

Yoga

Yoga strengthens the core muscles and helps to gain flexibility, range of motion and coordination skills. Yoga also requires flexing and twisting of the body so medical advice should be sought before commencing it.

Exercise bike

An exercise bike provides a whole body workout with low impact on the spine. Make sure that the seat is aligned in a way that you do not need to bend over your back. Start off with low resistance until you are able to gain more strength. As time pass, slowly increase the resistance to build up muscles.

The recovery is as important as the surgery itself. A lengthy recovery time is required following spinal surgery to avoid any complications and further aggravation of the spine. Back rehabilitation exercises are able to help gain strength and regain range of motion which is very important following surgery.

Tact and sensitive

An orthopedic surgeon needs to possess tact and sensitivity. Patients will go to him thinking that they know what is wrong with them. But the surgeon is the one who really knows it medically and advise on the best treatment possible. The surgeon will need to bring across it in a simple way without huge medical jargons and tell the patients what are the things that are going wrong and what he need to do. Most of the time, he will need to share bad news with them. Thus he needs to be sensitive and show empathy.

Flexible

Different patients have different recovery speed and time and an orthopedic surgeon must always be flexible and prepared for any changes. The surgeon may have had a patient of similar condition before but he must know that they will recover different and react to treatments differently. Patients may sometimes choose for a different course of action rather than the one the surgeon recommended due to reasons such as cost. Surgeons must then put themselves in their patient’s shoes and help them find the best medical action based on his means.

Calmness

An operating theatre is very stressful and fast paced and can have many unpredictable situations happening at times. Thus, a good trait of an orthopedic surgeon is the need to stay calm amidst stressful situations and finish the task at hand. Patients will also feel more comfortable when they see that their surgeon is calm. Whoever wants a surgeon that is easy stress out?

Dedication

Orthopedic surgeons need to be dedicated to both their work and their patients. They have to work long hours that requires them to be on their foot. They can be re-called back to the hospital when there is an emergency and they need to give up some of their personal time with their loved ones. They also need to visit patients and their families and explain to them the entire surgery process and have a discussion with them to answer their doubts.

Eye and hand coordination skills

Orthopedic surgeons need to have excellent eye-hand coordination as their surgery involves the usage of equipment such as power saws to drill through bones. A successful surgery can only be done if the surgeon has fine motor skills that allow him to carry out his surgery with the aid of equipments.

Strength

Orthopedic surgeons use equipments such as power saws for their surgery which are heavy. As such, they need to possess physical strength to operate them. Many amputations require the usage of saws to cut through the thick bones.
It is not easy to find a good orthopedic surgeon that possesses all the mentioned traits. An orthopedic surgery is not a small one and extra effort should be done on the patient’s part to find the best available. The patient can always ask their friends for any recommendations and take their own time to decide on the surgeon to carry out their surgery.

There are many reasons as to why someone may opt to undergo total hip replacement surgery. Some of the common reasons are suffering from severe pain, loss of mobility in hips resulting in difficulty moving, tumors in the bone, bone fracture, severe pain and arthritis. Total hip replacement surgery is often the last resort. Doctors will often prescribe anti-inflammatory medication; recommend physical therapy and modification of daily activities and intensity. Walking aids such as cane will also be recommended. If all these fail, total hip replacement is then the only resort left.

There are many benefits of total hip replacement surgery. Benefits include:

Pain free

A total hip replacement surgery replaces the damaged articulating surfaces with artificial ones that are smooth. Thus, it eliminates pain.

Increased mobility

Prior to surgery, the damaged hip joint is stiff, causing loss of mobility. As the replacement joints are smooth, it increases mobility and range of motion.

Better quality of life

With lesser pain and improved mobility after surgery, easy daily tasks can now be performed without much problems faced, leading to a better life that is more active and independent.

Increased muscular strength

Patients with total hip replacement have higher abductor muscle strength that may be due to the sutures at the surgery site. Suture increases the stability of the hip joints and central bearing, resulting in greater muscular strength.

Pain free sleep at night

With a pain free life after surgery, the patient is able to sleep throughout the night without any pain and interruptions.

Getting rid of medications

After surgery, pain relief medication that was prescribed previously can now be discarded.

Long lasting prosthesis

The most commonly used material is polymethylmethacrylate which is long lasting and durable and can usually last between 10 to 15 years on average.

Ability to engage in sporting activities

With a new hip in place, patients are able to engage in their favorite sporting activities without any limitations.

Surgery is not a pleasant procedure and is often dreaded by many. But for people suffering from medical conditions, it may be the only way to let them lead a normal life. Total hip replacement allows the patient to restore original functions and roles to the injured joints and relieving pain.

Asking around for opinions

Word of mouth is the most powerful tool out there. One of the most efficient ways is to ask your family members, neighbors and friends if they know of any skilled and quality orthopedic surgeon. Ask about their personal first hand experiences. You may also seek for advices and recommendations on the internet and there are comprehensive sources of information available. However, do not fully believe everything on the internet.

Establishing credentials

After you have shortlisted a few surgeons, do a search of them on the internet and call their respective clinics and hospitals to find out more about them. You may also arrange appointments with them. Ask them for their educations, area of specialization and experience in the particular field. Have they gotten the necessary education required and are those recognized?

Getting second opinions

Once you are happy with the last few shortlisted surgeons, arrange for an appointment with him/her. Ask him for his take on the surgery and what his plans are for you. After receiving his arrangement, take your time to think about it. In the mean time, schedule another appointment with another surgeon. Compare the results of different surgeons and see which one has the best approach and you are most at ease with. As this concerns your own health, do not do it hastily. You have all the time in the world to decide.

Going with your instincts

After you have in mind the right surgeon to perform the important surgery, ask yourself, are you comfortable with him and most importantly, do you trust him? A positive doctor-patient relationship is important and makes sure that the treatment plan and recovery plan your surgeon recommended is in line with what you expect.

Preventive care

Is your surgeon leaning towards preventive care? Measures such as exercising to lose weight and encouraging a smoke free lifestyle can make a huge difference in the recovery process. A surgeon who emphasizes all the little changes is one that is not only concerned with the current complication but also long term health.

Focus on your life after surgery and make a commitment to recover and stay healthy in the shortest time. When you have fully recovered and in the pink of health, it is now your turn to recommend your surgeon to those who need him most.

Doing exercises regularly will help to restore full range of motion and strength and allow you to gradually return to daily activities and subsequently full recovery.

Early Postoperative Exercises

Doing exercises helps to prevent blood clots and increases blood circulation to the leg and feet, aiding recovery. It also strengthens muscles and increases the range of motion. It will definitely be uncomfortable initially but as you continue to carry the exercises out, it will start to be enjoyable and speed up your recovery.

Walking with aids

After surgery, your physical therapist will encourage you to start walking short distances and carry out light activities which will help to regain strength. With the help of a walking aid such as a walker or cane, stand up straight and balance your weight equally on both legs. Try to lift your toes off the ground and flatten them when landing as it will help to build muscles and increase strength. The walking aid also helps to prevent falls and helps to balance your body.

Stair Climbing and Descending

Climbing up and down stairs requires strength and flexibility. Holding the handrail for support, go up each step one at a time. Always use the good leg to go up the stairs and the operated leg down the stairs. Stair climbing build muscles and strengthens them, and builds endurance as well.

Exercycling

Exercycling is a low impact activity that helps to regain muscular strength and mobility in the hip region. Start the activity pedaling backwards and after it is comfortable, you may start to pedal forward. Exercycling also increases the body’s releasing of endorphins which helps to reduce stress and pain.

Recovery from hip replacement surgery actually takes place before the start of the surgery itself. Months before the surgery, patients should start to build up their muscles by exercising or going to the gym regularly to strengthen the leg and abdominal muscles. Having strong muscles helps to reduce the recovery time. Recovery time differs among patients and one must be realistic and not expect miracles to happen.

1. How long are crutches required to be used?
2. Do I have to put a pillow under my leg when sleeping and for how long?
3. What is the best sleeping position?
4. Am I able to drive a car?
5. Will I have difficulty sleeping?
6. How soon can I start playing sports such as golf?
7. How long is my recovery period?
8. When can I resume travel?
9. When can I resume work?
10. Can I shower?
11. When will the sutures be removed?
12. How long do I need to consume pain killers?
13. Am I able to consume alcohol during my recovery period?
14. Is an ice pack or warm pack more suitable?
15. Am I able to climb up and down stairs?
16. Is physical therapy required?
17. Am I able to engage in sexual intercourse?
18. When will my next follow up visit be?
19. What are the risks involved in hip replacement and the possible complications?
20. How long will the entire surgery last?
21. How long am I required to stay in hospital after the surgery?
22. How much increase in mobility can I expect to regain after surgery?
23. What are the choices for the joint replacement?
24. What are the clinical results of the choice of joint replacement selected?
25. Which is the best implant available right now and is it ideal for my particular condition?
26. How long will an implant last?
27. Do I have to prepare anything for the surgery?
28. Will the hip implants set off metal detectors at the airport?
29. Will I get a doctor’s memo stating my hip implant to pass through airport security?
30. Will my new hip be as good as a new one?

Hip replacement will allow patients to significantly reduce pain by 95% and allow them to carry out activities they love without much limitation. However there are complications for the surgery and patients should clarify their doubts before deciding whether to undergo the surgery.

There are many reasons and causes for a patient to consult an orthopaedic doctor. Common reasons include:

1. 1.     Arthritis
2. 2.     Tumours
3. 3.     Broken bones
4. 4.     Joint replacement
5. 5.     Sports injuries
6. 6.     Spine injuries

Pain

Pain is the start of all problems and the same goes for orthopaedic problems. Patients often experience discomfort at different parts of their body such as their joints, rotator cuff, wrist or elbow. Even the slightest discomfort may indicate serious injuries. A locked finger could be due to trigger finger and pain after trauma could be due to torn ligaments or broken bones. Back pain could be due to herniated disc or a fractured vertebrae or even spine problems.

Swelling

Swelling indicates an increase in body fluid or blood in that particular area and must not be taken lightly as it could be a sign of serious medical condition requiring surgery.  When a patient experiences swelling in his joint, it could possibly indicate osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder due to wear and tear on a joint over a prolonged period experienced by elderly patients and signs are swelling of the bones or joints.

Redness

Redness is caused by infection or injury and is often experienced with pain and swelling. Conditions such as tendonitis are often accompanied by redness. If a patient experiences pain and swelling with redness, it could mean a serious complication and an orthopaedic doctor is needed immediately. A decrease in range of motion for joints normally indicates musculoskeletal problems such as a torn ligament.

Visible injuries

Injuries such as sprain and dislocation are visible and they are musculoskeletal injuries which needs orthopaedic treatment. Deformity of the skeletal systems such as hammer toes and club foot will also require orthopaedic surgery to correct them.

There are many possible signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury which includes:

Deformation of spine

If the patient is lying on the ground on his back in an awkward position such as a tilted head in an unusual position, it may be due to a severe spinal injury

Head injury

Patients with severe head injury such as depression in parts of the skull are assumed to have injured their spine.

Spinal pain

Any pain in the spinal region whether localized or defused may indicate spinal injury and special attention is required.

Bruises and cuts

If there are bruises, cuts or wound over the spinal region, it is an indication that a spinal injury may have occurred.

Numbness

Numbness or paralysis at parts of the body indicates that an injury to the cervical spine has occurred. The patient will often feel weak and loss of ability to move the limbs. Check the areas affected and whether does it affect just the upper or lower body.

Loss of bladder and bowel control

Patients with spinal injury often lose their bladder and bowel control. Nerves control our bladder and bowel control and patients who suffered spinal injury are unable to know that their bladder are full and thus will cause their bladder to empty by itself.

Irregular reflexes

The body’s reflex functions are controlled by our nerves. As such, any irregularity observed indicates a spinal injury.

Spasticity

After an injury to the spinal cord, scar tissues will form, disconnecting the nerve cells at the injury site from the brain.  As a result, the nerve cells which control our muscle activities are affected, causing spasticity.

Sexual dysfunction

When our brain processes sexual thoughts, it sends signals through our nerves down to our penis. However in the presence of a spinal injury, the nerves that control our ability to have an erection are injured, causing the inability to have an erection.

Depending on the severity of injury suffered to the spinal cord, the paralysis can be complete or incomplete. Despite the advancement of medical technology, there is still no cure for spinal injuries. Thus, prevention is the best option available. Therefore it is extremely important to protect our spinal cord.

Immediately after surgery, the rehabilitation process will kick in and special care will be administered to you. Compression socks may be required to improve blood flow around your body and prevent the formation of any blood clots. A day later, light exercises may be recommended by the physiotherapist.

Usage of walking aid

Patients are usually eager to walk immediately after surgery but that will put a huge strain on the lower part of the body. Crutches or walker will be given by the physiotherapist and any movement will need to rely on it.

Ergonomic chair

An ergonomic chair will effectively reduce any stress or strain on the lower body and place your entire body in the correct position for optima comfort. Ergonomic chairs provide a firm cushion with adjustable seat that will allow the knee to be lower than the hips.

Watch your weight

Extra body weight will create additional pressure on your hips and this will affect your recovery. Patients tend to binge on food after surgery as they are unable to do anything else. Maintain a healthy eating diet and prevent putting on extra weight.

Remove obstacles

Obstacles around the house such as wires must be removed prior to surgery so that they will not obstruct the walker or crutches. A seemly harmless wire can trip you and further aggravate your hip. If any part of the floor is slippery, place anti slip mats around.

A slow but progressive rehabilitation program will build up your mobility and flexibility. It will be frustrating initially as you are unable to do a lot of things. However, bear with it and do your physical therapy exercises several times a day to restore your flexibility and strengthen your hip joint.

Compress

A hot compress may be applied on the back to relieve pain if swelling is not present. Heat will help to relieve muscular tightness and increase the elasticity of the muscles and connective tissues, significantly reducing pain. However if swelling or inflammation is present, do not use a hot compress. Apply a hot compress for 15 minutes. If possible, use a moist hot compress as it penetrates the skin better than pure dry heat.

If there is inflammation or swelling present, use a cold compress. A cold compress will effectively numb the nerve and slow down the inflammation process, providing almost immediate pain relief. Cold compresses also constrict the blood vessels which in turn decreases pain. Apply a cold compress for 15 minutes and reapplication may be done after the skin has gone back to normal body temperature.

Change of lifestyle

To reduce further stress to the back, having a balanced diet and exercising regularly will help to improve back pain. Physical therapist will impart strengthening exercises to strengthen the spine and flexibility exercises may also be taught. Take things easy during the first few days and start slowly with the exercises. Do not rush into it as it may further aggravate your condition. Avoid any heavy lifting activities as well.

Medication

If the pain is unbearable, medication may be prescribed by a qualified practitioner. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and painkillers may be prescribed to relief pain. For patients who suffer from spasms, muscle relaxants may also be prescribed. NSAIDs are usually prescribed for long term pain relief and conrol.

Injections

Steroid injections will help to provide a longer pain relief as compared to medication. Through injection, swelling will be reduced. Injections will be done through the usage of fluoroscopy to identify the target area.

With normal treatment, most people are able to return back to their pre-injury levels. However, 5% of patients may continue to suffer from back pain even after receiving treatment. Recovery time usually range from several months to a few years depending on the patient and activities conducted. Activities which require exerting stress on the back should be avoided and the lives of patients may have to change to accommodate it.