When it comes to hip replacement, Fox Valley residents from Green Bay to Oshkosh will usually go through other testing before the procedure to get a better look at the joint. Arthroscopy is not uncommon and if your doctor recommends it, you want to ensure that you have the facts first. Knowing what the procedure is for, what happens, and the recovery process, makes it possible for you to be ready so that you are able to have your procedure and make the right plans for the recovery period.
Purpose of the Procedure
If your doctor has recommended a hip replacement, he or she might recommend this procedure to get a closer look at your joint before the surgery. This can provide them with valuable information concerning the overall condition of the joint. It might also be used to help diagnose other joint conditions. Treating joint conditions might also be a reason to have this procedure. The following conditions might be able to be treated with arthroscopy:
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- Loose bone fragments
- Inflamed joint lining
- Torn ligaments
- Scarring within joints
- Damaged or torn cartilage
- Torn ligaments
Getting Prepared
Your doctor will give you detailed information about how to prepare for the procedure. However, in general, the following is part of the process:
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- Avoid certain medications and supplements for a short period of time prior to the procedure, such as those that might thin the blood and increase the risk of bleeding
- Make sure you have a ride home following the procedure
- You might have to fast short-term before the procedure
- Ensure that you wear comfortable clothing
Exploring the Procedure
It starts with getting you properly positioned on the table and administering your anesthesia. The type you get depends on several factors. You might be put to sleep completely, you might get regional anesthesia or the area might be numbed via local anesthesia. With the regional and local you are awake, but numbed to promote comfort. The following are the general steps involved after anesthesia:
Cleaning the area
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- Positioning the joint to ensure the best visibility for the doctor
- Making the right amount of small incisions
- Performing the procedure, which differs depending on why it is done
- Closing the small incisions
The procedure takes 30 to 120 minutes, on average, depending on why you are having it.
Results and Recovery
How long it takes to recover depends on your general health and why you had it done. However, about one to four weeks is the average. Your doctor will likely recommend the following to enhance your comfort:
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- Medications
- Protection
- Exercises
- Rest, ice, compression and elevation
You can see that arthroscopy is not too bad and if your doctor recommends it before hip replacement, it will help to gather information for your procedure. Just make sure to follow all pre surgical and post surgical advice, and ask questions, to make sure that you are fully informed and prepared.
If you would like to request a consultation with one of the hip replacement specialists at OSI, please call (920) 560-1000 or request an appointment online.
The Orthopedic & Sports Institute has convenient locations to serve you. In addition to the flagship facility in Appleton, you will find outreach clinics in New London, Ripon, Shawano, Waupaca, and the newest location serving the Green Bay area, inside the NOVO Health Clinic in De Pere.