Hip replacement is a method where an artificial hip is implanted by removing the painful hip in your body. The hip replacement surgery is done mostly when all other measures cease to work. As they say, life does not come with a guarantee, neither the prosthetic implants. But the hip replacement has a high success rate. The new joint outlasts your lifespan in most of the cases. Ideally, it has a longevity of approximately 15-20 years. In spite of several positive reviews and satisfied patients, there are many apprehensions regarding life after surgery. People have many questions about the experiences they might have in various situations given an artificial hip.
- How long the prosthetic hip lasts?
The life of a prosthetic hip is usually long enough to outlive yours. However, many factors affect the future of the implant. Accidents, infections, fractures, and overall health deterioration can influence the potential life of the replaced hip. Major factors which determine the longevity of the artificial hip are:
- Surgeon skills
- Implants track record
- Care of the implant and your health
- Respecting the limitations of life with prosthetic
- Bodyweight and activity level
- Can I have a metallic allergy?
Allergy of metals is extremely rare. An alloy of cobalt-chrome and titanium is the basic metallic content in the manufacturing of the implants. These orthopedic implants have been used for millions of patients over the years. The success rate if high and a true metal allergy has seldom encountered during clinical medical practice.
- How weather changes will feel like?
For the initial one to two years the bone grows around the artificial hip. It adapts to the new component. This may lead to some weather or pressure sensitivity. In some cases, you may feel an increase in pain and stiffness around the implant area. However, these sensations go away in a couple of years.
- What about the other surgeries in the future?
Just like any other implant, it is important to protect your orthopedic implants from infections. Before you take up any other surgery or treatment procedure you should take a course of antibiotics. This prevents any infection to grow and reach your prosthetic hip through your bloodstreams. Although the risk of such infection is very rare, the antibiotic course will eliminate the risk.
- Will it trigger the metal detector at airports and malls?
The sensitivity of the metal detectors greatly varies in different devices. This makes it difficult to tell with certainty that a metal detector would surely set off. However, there are chances that the detector sets off with your hip implant. It is always better to carry an implant identification card and inform the authorities before you pass through a detector.
- Is it safe to have an MRI?
Some of the older MRI scanners may not be compatible with your implant. However, most of the latest machines are safe and compatible with the replaced hips these days. You can get the MRI or CT-scan of other parts of your body.
- How can I know about recalling implants?
It is the rarest of the rear incident. Manufacturing companies monitor the performance of their product and rear recall any implant. If so happened, you will be contacted by the company with the help of the registered lot number of your implant.