Bilateral Hip Replacement Surgery: Types, Cost, Risk, Benefits and Recovery

Bilateral Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip arthroplasty, or hip replacement surgery, is a surgical procedure for addressing hip pain. During hip replacement surgery, one or both halves of the hip may be replaced. Some patients with degenerative problems in both hips may consider having both hips replaced at the same time, with their surgeon’s approval. This procedure is known as bilateral hip replacement.

Hip joint components are replaced with artificial implants. A ball (at the tip of the femur or the thigh bone) and a socket make up the hip joint (in the hip bone or pelvis). Typically, these artificial implants or prostheses are composed of extremely hard plastic, metal, or ceramic.

The goal of the operation is for the patient to be able to return to normal activities and exercise with no to minimal pain. Since the patient will be hospitalized only once for the procedure, time needed for recovery from bilateral hip replacement will be less.

Although, with a bilateral hip replacement, the length of stay in the hospital is longer, and a higher percentage of patients require inpatient rehabilitation after the surgery.

The candidates for bilateral hip replacement are younger, more active, and healthier individuals. To be eligible for the surgery, the patient must have severe limiting pain in both hips due to a degenerative joint condition like hip fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc.

What is covered in the above mentioned cost for surgery?

This price includes surgery cost, doctor’s fee, standard prescribed tests and all standard expenses required at the hospital.

India, A Preferred Destination For Bilateral Hip Replacement

In recent years, traveling for orthopedic reasons has become preferable for different reasons. India has become one of the most popular destinations for orthopedic surgery. We have qualified doctors who are familiar with a number of orthopedic issues, such as knee replacement, shoulder replacement surgery, ACL reconstruction, hip replacement, ankle replacement, and other spinal ailments.

The majority of reputable Indian hospitals have modern equipment, which boosts the bilateral hip replacement success rate. The hospitals offer a complete package to international patients, making treatment extremely cost-effective and allowing them to save a large amount of money, while offering them the best services, skilled doctors and latest technologies.

Indian Medical Visa Process (India e-Medical Visa)

By default, the Indian government allows a medical visa to be valid for 60 days. However, India’s new visa policy allows the paper-based medical visa to be extended for up to 180 days.

Individuals can obtain an Indian Medical Visa by filling out an Indian Visa Application Form online.  This procedure will only take a couple of minutes. Then you have to make the payment through PayPal and provide the appropriate documents for treatment, such as a letter from a hospital. This process takes 72 hours to complete, and an accepted Visa is emailed to the concerned person.

Nationals of e-Visa India-eligible countries who require a Medical Visa may apply online using the online e-Visa India application form at https://www.indiavisa-online.org. A letter from the hospital in India where they intend to receive treatment is required.

The individual may also be requested to show proof that they have enough money to cover their medical expenses in India. They may also be asked to produce a return travel ticket to their native country once the medical treatment is completed. These papers can be faxed or emailed to the Help Desk, or they can be submitted to the website later.

One of the benefits of the Indian Medical Visa is that, unlike the 30-day Tourist Visa, which is only valid for two entries, it enables three entries into India during its 60-day duration.

The following conditions and requirements of the e-Visa for medical treatment must be understood and remembered as pointers:

• The Indian e-Medical Visa is valid for 60 days from the date of arrival in India.
• The e-Medical India Visa allows you to visit India three times.
• Individuals can apply for a Medical Visa up to three times per year.
• It is not possible to extend the electronic Medical Visa.
•  This visa is not convertible and cannot be changed to a tourist or business visa.
• It can’t be used to enter protected or restricted sites.
• Patients must show proof of financial support for their stay in India.
• During your trip to the airport, the patient must have a PDF or paper copy with you.
• On the e-Medical India Visa, patients can request a return ticket.
• There is no such thing as a group medical visa for India; each applicant must apply independently.
• On the day of arrival in India, the passport must be valid for at least six months.
• Individuals must have two blank pages in their passports so that immigration and border control personnel can stamp their passports at the airport for entry and exit.
• A regular passport is required to be presented. Indian Medical Visas cannot be obtained using diplomatic, service, official or refugee passports.
• Individuals must apply for a paper or conventional India Medical Visa rather than an electronic Medical Visa on the Govt. website if the treatment will continue longer than 180 days.

The website allows a person to apply online, and it will take you 3 to 5 minutes to finish the application. It is highly recommended that an individual applies for a Medical Visa in India online rather than visiting an Indian Embassy or High Commission.

Bilateral Hip Replacement Procedure

The most common reason for bilateral hip replacement surgery is to relieve pain caused by severe arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other conditions. Other treatments, such as pain or inflammatory medication, joint injections, walking aids, and physical therapy, may be recommended before surgery. If these treatments do not relieve pain and stiffness in both hips and are interfering with daily activities, the doctor may recommend surgery.

There is no upper or lower age limit for hip replacement surgery. If a person does not have any heart problems, major medical diseases, or an active infection, they are eligible for the operation.

Staged and simultaneous hip replacements are the two types of bilateral hip replacements. The use of phased double hip replacements is more common than simultaneous hip replacements.

• Simultaneous Bilateral Hip Replacement

In a simultaneous procedure, both hips are replaced in one operation, on the same day, and under the same anesthetic. This means that there will only be one hospitalization and one period of rehabilitation.

• Stage Approach

The staged approach involves two separate surgical procedures for both hip replacements. The surgeries will be performed several months apart, necessitating two anesthetic episodes, two hospital stays, and two recuperation periods.

The duration between surgeries may vary based on the specific medical condition. Most surgeons recommend that there should be a gap of at least three months between the first surgery and the second. This will help the patients to heal better.

Staged treatment is suitable for obese or elderly people, as well as those with major medical concerns. The surgeon will take a call and assist in making the best decision for the patient.

Pre-operative Procedure For Bilateral Hip Replacement

The patient will be assessed by an orthopedic surgeon prior to surgery. The surgeon will examine the hip and ask questions about the patient’s medical history and current medications. He might request blood tests and an X-ray. An MRI is only utilized in rare circumstances.

The patient will be readied for surgery on the day of the procedure, and all vital signs will be checked before being wheeled into the operating room.

During The Procedure For Bilateral Hip Replacement

Staged hip replacement operations take about two hours on average, but a simultaneous bilateral treatment can take up to twice as long. During bilateral hip replacement, the patient will be given a general anesthesia to relax the muscles and induce a temporary deep sleep.

The patient will not feel any discomfort during the procedure as a result of this. A spinal anesthetic is another option for pain relief.

The doctor will make a cut along the side of the hip and move the muscles linked to the top of the thigh bone to expose the hip joint. After that, the thigh bone is sawed to remove the joint’s ball component. An artificial joint is then bonded to the thigh bone, either with cement or a special substance that allows the existing bone to adhere to the new joint.

After that, the doctor cleans the hipbone’s surface and attaches the replacement socket to it, removing any damaged cartilage. The new ball section of the thigh bone is then inserted into the hip socket. To aid in the drainage of any fluid, a drain can be implanted. The wound is subsequently closed and the muscles are reattached.

While the majority of single hip replacement surgeries are still performed with a single 8 to 10-inch incision along the side of the hip, some doctors have begun to use a minimally invasive technique in recent years. Doctors use this approach to make one to two 2- to 5-inch incisions. These small cuts are used to do the same operation as a traditional hip replacement.

Blood loss, hospital stays, scar appearance, post-surgery pain, and healing time are all said to be reduced by the small cuts. However, it’s vital that the surgeon has a lot of experience with this treatment. The high rate for bilateral hip replacement surgery success suggest that the surgery generally has good outcomes.

Bilateral hip replacement surgery 

Post-operative Procedure For Bilateral Hip Replacement

Once the anesthetic effect has worn off, the doctor will transfer the patient from the recovery room to a general room. The patient will most likely be in the hospital for five to seven days. During the recovery from bilateral hip replacement, the nurses will monitor vital signs to rule out infection.

To counteract the effects of surgery-related pain, the patient will be put on pain medication. To keep the new hip joint in place, the patient will have to sleep with a wedge-shaped cushion between their legs.

A drainage tube will most likely be put into the bladder to assist in going to the bathroom. Physical therapy usually begins the day after surgery. Within a few days, the patient should be able to walk with a walker, cane, or crutches. Following surgery, physical therapy will be required for several weeks to months.

Tips And Advice

After bilateral hip replacement surgery, pivoting or twisting the afflicted limb should be avoided for six to twelve months. Crossing the involved leg past the body’s midline, bending the hip past 90 degrees, and twisting the involved leg inward are all things to avoid.

The physiotherapist will demonstrate the use of tactics and appropriate equipment to help with day-to-day tasks. Remember to follow the therapist’s instructions, as dislocating the surgically implanted hip joint could result in the need for additional operation.

Even after the hip joint has healed, certain sports and activities should be avoided. The new joint is designed to withstand everyday use. Following a few simple bilateral hip replacement tips after you get home is a good idea.

Reduce the number of times you walk the stairs. Make the necessary accommodations for the person to only have to ascend and descent the stairs once or twice a day. Sit in a chair with a straight back and a sturdy seat. Sitting in a recliner is not recommended.

To prevent falls, keep the floors and rooms clear of debris. Make use of a toilet seat that is lifted. This will keep the patient’s hips from bending too far. Until they’ve fully recovered, keep rowdy pets at bay. Consult your doctor before resuming activities such as driving or exercising.

How Can MyMedTrip.com Help You?

It is natural to be overwhelmed and concerned while traveling to a new place for medical treatment. Throughout the journey, we shall assist the patient and their attendant, and provide a manager for help throughout the whole medical trip. We will also assist in overcoming linguistic barriers.

Should you decide on traveling to India for medical assistance, you may email us at hi@mymedtrip.com or WhatsApp at +91 9818237391. The first consultation arranged by us would be free of cost! Additionally, we also provide visa invitation letters and help in facilitating the medical journey to India.

For any further assistance/queries or questions related to bilateral hip replacement surgery as well as services in India, do not hesitate to email us at the aforementioned address. We shall be glad to assist you and help you get well soon.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bilateral Hip Replacement

What is the prevalence of bilateral hip replacement surgery?

A double hip replacement can help relieve pain and improve function in persons who have injury or degeneration in both hip joints, which has a major impact on everyday living. However, double hip replacements are rare

How long does it take for a bilateral hip replacement to heal?

Within 10 to 12 weeks, most people are able to resume routine activities. However, complete healing could take 6 to 12 months.

Is it better to use heat or ice for hip pain?

When it comes to reducing swelling, inflammation, and discomfort early on, ice wins out over the heat, which can potentially make an injury worse.

Is hip replacement surgery a serious procedure?

Because a hip replacement is a significant surgery, it is normally advised only when other therapies have failed to improve mobility or relieve pain, such as steroid injections or physiotherapy.

After hip surgery, how long does a patient have to walk with a walker?

After surgery, the patient will most likely need to use a walker or crutches for two to four weeks.

How can I rest and sleep securely after a hip replacement?

Post-surgery while sitting, elevate both legs to reduce edema. For the first four to six weeks after surgery, lie on the non-operative side when relaxing or sleeping in bed.

Is a hip replacement painful?

There should be some pain expected in the hip area, as well as thigh and groin.

After a hip replacement, when may the patient stand up?

Within a day or two of the procedure, the patient will be able to stand. Standing and walking, however, necessitates the use of walking aids.

Is it ever too late for a hip replacement?

Hip replacement surgery does not have a time limit. There is no medical need to delay treatment if a person is over 90, healthy, and in need of a hip replacement.

How long will a hip implant last?

The type of prosthesis utilized has an impact on implant survival. A typical implant nowadays lasts between 10 and 15 years.