How is hip surgery performed?
Hip surgery or hip replacement surgery is done to provide relief from pain and limited mobility to patients suffering from hip problems. The hip is located at the junction of the thigh bone and pelvis. At the top of the thigh bone is a ball called the femoral head, which fits securely in a socket in the pelvis bone. Smooth movement of the femoral head in the socket allows variety of leg movements. Age, osteoporosis and various other factors cause friction between femoral head and the acetabulum- a socket in the pelvis bone. This friction causes pain and limits leg movements impairing quality of life and restricting patients from performing even day-to-day activities. In severe cases, hip surgery involving replacement of diseased hip portions with new manmade parts, technically referred to as prostheses, is recommended. Surgeons begin the operation by giving general anesthesia to the patient. Though general anesthesia is frequently used, some patients also receive local anesthesia. The
