Dislocated
An artificial hip joint can also be dislocated (luxated). In this case, the hip can be dislocated backwards or forwards. Possible reasons for the luxation are, for example, too early loading of the artificial hip joint after the operation so that supporting structures did not have enough time to regenerate.
Incorrect or excessive movements can also cause the artificial joint to luxate. Sometimes even harmless movements such as crossing the legs are a possible reason for the artificial hip joint to dislocate. In order to bring the femoral head back into the acetabulum, the joint has to be repositioned, which is normally done under anesthesia.
On the X-rays, attention should be paid to whether structures at or around the hip joint were damaged during the dislocation. In order to prevent a new dislocation as far as possible, the patient should make sure that movements are conscious and not too jerky. Furthermore, heavy objects should be avoided.
In general, a period of approximately 6 months should be allowed from the operation to complete rehabilitation.The operation itself, in which the artificial hip joint is inserted, varies between one and a half to four hours. How long the patient has to stay in hospital depends on whether complications prolong the hospital stay or not. After a hip joint operation without complications, the patient can usually leave the hospital after two weeks.
The use of bilateral crutches after the operation should be continued for four to six weeks to allow the muscle apparatus to regenerate. If the patient then feels safe enough, these can be gradually removed. After leaving the hospital, rehabilitation follows, which can take place on an outpatient or inpatient basis and can normally last from a few weeks to 6 months.
How long it takes before the patients can resume their work depends on the type of profession. Work on the telephone can sometimes be resumed as early as three days after leaving the hospital. In the case of heavy physical work, the patient should wait several weeks or up to three months so that the structures can recover and renew themselves properly.
