Some people who are suffering from the severe degenerative disease of the hip joint, may require the replacement of both hip joints at the same time. This is known as bilateral hip replacement or simultaneous total hip replacement. In this surgical procedure both hip joints are replaced with artificial implants. Bilateral hip replacement surgery is usually performed on the patients who have limited mobility in both of the joints which severely affect their quality of life. It can also be due to excessive pain caused by degenerating changes which takes place in the hip joint with increasing age. Bilateral hip replacement needs a single anesthesia to perform procedure in both hip joints and in a single hospital stay. But the risk of excessive bleeding also increases. Bilateral hip replacement is beneficial in reducing pain and improving the overall quality of life with independent activities which were previously impaired due to pain and degeneration. It takes a longer period of time to complete bilateral hip replacement than it is required in single hip replacement surgery. The duration of procedure may also increase if there is any complication occurring during the surgery. There are some risk factors associated with bilateral hip replacement so it is very important to take care of the surgical area after a surgery. A multidisciplinary team of physician, surgeon, physical therapist and occupational therapist plan a treatment approach and post-operative care for an individual patient to speed up the recovery process.
Types of Hip Replacement Surgery Treatment India
There are two main types of bilateral hip replacement procedures. These are:
- Simultaneous Bilateral Hip Replacement
- Staged Bilateral Hip Replacement
Simultaneous Bilateral Hip Replacement
In this approach, both hips are replaced during a single surgery. The surgeon performs an operation on both hips at the same time, typically using two surgical teams or by changing position of the patient during the procedure. Simultaneous bilateral hip replacement is generally recommended for patients who are relatively healthy and fit for surgery, as it reduces the overall recovery time and hospital stay. However, it may have a higher risk as compared to staged bilateral hip replacement.
Staged Bilateral Hip Replacement
This approach involves replacing one hip at a time. There is a gap of time between surgeries. The first hip is replaced, and after a period of some time, the second hip is replaced in a separate operation. Staged bilateral hip replacement is often recommended for patients with other diseases or who are at higher risk for complications.
The type of procedure performed usually depends on the patient's overall health, the severity of hip damage, and the suggestion of the surgeon. And it is separate for each individual.
Procedure of Bilateral Hip Replacement
- Pre-operative assessment: the screening tests are performed on the patient to choose the type of procedure that should be performed. It also tells us if the patient is a suitable candidate for bilateral hip replacement or not.
- Incision: the incision is performed under the effect of anesthesia to reduce the pain and irritation. Incisions can be made on the posterior or lateral side according to the surgeon’s skill.
- Preparation of the bone: The surgeon will carefully remove the damaged tissue and bone from the hip socket and the top head of the thigh bone. The bones are carefully shaped according to the implant.
- Implanting the prosthesis: The surgeon will place artificial implants into the prepared areas of the bone. The implants typically consist of a metal socket component that is placed into the hip socket, and a metal or ceramic ball component that is inserted into the head of the thigh bone.
- Closure: Once the implants are in place, the surgeon will close the incisions with stitches and apply the medications for preventing any infection.
- Post-operative care: after the surgery, pain is managed with pain killers, blood clot formation is prevented and early mobility starts at the joint for regaining the strength and full range of motion early in the recovery phase.
Cost of Bilateral Hip Replacement in Different Cities of India
The average cost of bilateral hip replacement in India is ₹ 3,00,000 – ₹ 6,00,000 However, the cost may vary according to the condition of the patient at the time of injury, complexity of procedure, and facilities of the hospital. The cost may also vary from city to city.
Delhi : ₹ 3,20,000 - ₹ 7,70,000
Ahmedabad : ₹ 2,70,000 - ₹ 6,30,000
Bangalore : ₹ 3,20,000 - ₹ 7,50,000
Mumbai : ₹ 3,30,000 - ₹ 8,00,000
Pune : ₹ 3,05,000 - ₹ 7,30,000
Symptoms and Risk Factors of Bilateral Hip Replacement Surgery
Here are some names of the diseases which may require bilateral hip replacement. These are:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Avascular necrosis (also known as osteonecrosis)
- Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Hip dysplasia
- Perthes disease
- Osteonecrosis
- Paget's disease of bone
- Connective tissue disorders
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
- Genetic disorders affecting the hip joints
- Failed previous hip replacements
Risk factors of Bilateral Hip Replacement
Bleeding
In bilateral hip replacement, there is a risk for excessive bleeding due to the involvement of both hip joints at a time.
Infection
Like any other surgery, infection can be the major risk factor for bilateral hip replacement due to the extended time of exposure of tissues to the environment.
Blood clots in the legs or lungs
The limited mobility can form blood clots in the legs that can travel to the heart and lungs. This can be a severe problem which sometimes leads to death.
Injury to nearby nerves
The surgeon performs the procedure with poor skills and makes an unequal leg length on each side which may cause problems in the activities and walking in later stages.
Injury to nearby nerves
The nerves may damage the surrounding area and cause severe pain and numbness after the surgery.
Fracture
The poor post-operative care and poor circulation may weaken the bone which makes it easy for the bones to fracture with even light activity.
02/21/2024
