You need to choose the right surgeon to get successful results from your hip replacement surgery. Your surgeon will recommend where the incision needs to be located, size of the incision, and the type of artificial implant to be used. The surgeon will also play a major role in factors affecting your recovery.
During your initial consultation, it is prudent to ask questions from your prospective hip replacement surgeon to clear your doubts and concerns. Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and surrounding communities.
How many years of experience do you have?
You should not hesitate to ask for specific information about the orthopedic surgeon’s skills and experience. This includes the number of times they perform the specific surgical technique recommended for you. You should also ask about the complication and success rates. According to research, surgeons that perform frequent hip replacements in a year have lower complications rate.
Where will you place the surgical incision?
Generally, posterior approach that involves making incisions at the back of the hip is used in traditional hip replacement. Lateral approach (side of the hip) and anterior approach (front of the hip) are other possible incision sites.
What should my expectations be from the procedure?
You should discuss specific expectations and goals with the surgeon. For instance, you should ask whether the surgery will:
- Eliminate a limp
- Enable you to cut your toenails or put on socks
- Remove the need for pain medications
- Allow you to play sports
- Make sex comfortable
Depending on your overall health and anatomy, expected results can differ between people.
What type of implants are suitable for me?
The ball-and-socket components can be of plastic(polyethylene), metal, ceramic or a combination of all these materials. Certain components may be attached with help of bone cement. “Cementless” prosthetics are available too that allows bone tissue to grow within it over time.
There are benefits and risks associated with different prosthetics. Currently, definitive scientific evidence that shows certain implants to be better than others is not available. Your surgeon will make recommendations based on your unique situation and their experience.
Does the procedure have any possible complications?
Hip replacement procedure is a major surgery. It carried potential risks, like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and infection. Serious complications may not be that common, but can be life-threatening. You should understand where you stand in terms of possible complications and whether any prevailing condition (like diabetes) may add to your risk.
Will you be clearing my doubts before and after the procedure?
Your surgeon should be available and approachable to answer your questions in a clear, concise, and honest manner. You will be given detailed online or written material to understand the procedure better. You should also know the number to call if you have any concerns or questions between appointments.
What is involved in the physical therapy?
Physical therapy is essential to recovery and will involve stretches and strengthening exercises. You will need to continue with physical therapy exercises at home too. Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan of the Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI) receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, Beverly Hills, CA, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery.
Contact the Southern California Hip Institute
Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:
Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030
Serving patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Century City, West Hollywood, North Hollywood Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.
Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/
