Hip Replacement in Poland

Constant pain that hinders everyday functioning and a large limitation of mobility in the hip joint significantly reduces the quality of life. The most common causes of such symptoms include: advanced osteoarthritis of the hip joint, rheumatoid arthritis, necrosis of the femoral head. In advanced cases, usually the only solution that allows you to get rid of troublesome ailments is hip arthroplasty, i.e. implantation of an artificial joint, the so-called hip prosthesis. A successful endoprosthesis implantation is a chance to regain fitness and perform all daily activities without pain. It is not without reason that arthroplasty is considered one of the greatest achievements of medicine of the last century. It is a chance to regain full fitness.

Qualification and preparation for the procedure:

After being qualified by an orthopedic physician for surgical treatment of hip arthroplasty, the patient undergoes an anaesthesiological consultation. Admission to the ward takes place the day before or on the day of the surgery. After admission to the ward and a consultation, the patient is prepared for the procedure and then transferred to the operating suite.

Types of endoprostheses:

• Cement prosthesis – this type of prosthesis is attached to the bone with the so-called bone cement, that is, a special bone “glue”. Cement prosthesis is usually used in elderly patients with osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Cementless prosthesis – this prosthesis is implanted into the bone to fuse with the bone after some time after the operation. It is intended for younger patients with good enough bone structure.

What does the treatment look like?

The hip joint endoprosthesis implantation procedure is performed under epidural anesthesia, less often with general anesthesia. Before the procedure, the patient receives an antibiotic “shield” and low-molecular weight heparin, which minimizes the risk of venous thrombosis. After surgery, it is sometimes necessary to administer up to two units of red blood cell concentrate due to blood loss during surgery and in the postoperative period. It is possible to use the reverse autotransfusion procedure as a result of collecting your own blood 2 weeks before the procedure.

At the beginning of the procedure, the femoral neck is cut together with the femoral head. Then the acetabulum deepens in the pelvic bones. The removed elements of your own joint are replaced by an endoprosthesis – the femoral part and the acetabulum. Articulation (new, artificial articular surfaces) is created by the head (applied to the thigh element – ceramic or metal) and a polyethylene insert to the acetabulum.

The antibiotic cover is used for 3-4 days after the procedure, and the anticoagulant prophylaxis for 6 weeks after the procedure. From the first day after the procedure, the patient performs isometric exercises, breathing exercises and upright exercises, which are gradually extended so that on the 6-7th day it is possible to start walking with a gradual load on the operated limb. The patient remains in the hospital for a dew days after the procedure.

Benefits of hip replacement implantation:

The hip joint prosthesis allows patients, above all, to completely free themselves from pain and from taking painkillers. The restoration of physical fitness in people after surgery depends on the age, condition of the patient and the intensity of rehabilitation. Most importantly, after the insertion of a hip replacement, patients regain mobility of the hip joint, and after appropriate rehabilitation, it is possible to play sports.

Endoprosthetics is still a dynamically developing field of orthopedics. Newer, more anatomical and more durable elements of the artificial joint are being produced. As a result, the hip replacement procedure is successful in over 90% of patients!

Activity after surgery:

After hip replacement surgery, you can expect your lifestyle to be very similar to what it was before the surgery – only pain-free. In many ways, you are right, but it may take a long time to return to your daily activities. If you are an active participant in the treatment process, you can achieve it faster and the result will be more satisfactory.

Although you will be able to resume doing most activities, you may need to change the way you do them. For example, you need to learn new ways to bend down so that it is safe for your new hip joint. The tips in this article will help you enjoy your new hip joint and safely return to your daily activities.

Your hospital stay will last approximately 1-4 days depending on the rate of your recovery. Before you are discharged from the hospital, there are goals that you need to achieve, such as:

• Getting in and out of bed by yourself
• Adequate pain control
• Ability to eat, drink and use the bathroom independently
• Walking with the help of rehabilitation equipment (walking stick, balcony, orthopedic crutches) on an even surface and the ability to climb and descend 2 or 3 steps
• Ability to do the prescribed exercises at home
• Understand the precautionary recommendations to prevent injury and ensure proper healing

Convalescence at home:

You will need help at home, which may be necessary for a few days or even weeks after discharge from hospital. Before the operation, make arrangements with a friend, family member or carer that they will provide home help for you.

When you return home, you should be active. It is important not to start your activity too hard or too quickly. You can expect better days and bad days, but you should get better gradually.

After leaving the hospital, the patient should walk with the help of orthopedic crutches and continue exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist or in accordance with his recommendations at home.

Rehabilitation is an extremely important element of restoring full fitness – after the procedure it should be systematically performed for a minimum of 6 weeks.

Why should you come to Poland to do this kind of surgery:

The main motive of booking medical services in Poland is lower costs (sometimes even 80% than in other European countries) and the waiting time for surgery is shorter. Moreover the quality of medical service is very high compared to many other countries.

Prices:

Average price for hip surgery and treatment is usually between 15 000 and 20 000 PLN but it strongly depends on the individual situation.

How can we help?

It is possible to make a reservation for hip replacement surgery and hip treatments in such cities in Poland like Krakow or Warsaw. If you would be interested in this service, we will be glad to help you find the best clinic and right, well-qualified, English-speaking specialist who will provide you with requested medical service. We can also help you with:

• booking accommodation located nearby the clinic
• arranging private airport transfers with English speaking driver
• organizing private transfers or assistance of our local English speaking employee to help you get from your hotel/apartment to the clinic
• arranging any chosen city tour, activity or excursion during your stay in any bigger city in Poland – our agency has a widest choice of those kinds of services in Poland
• booking entrance tickets to the museums, entertainment shows etc
• booking tables in recommended restaurants

Cities in which you can have this surgery done:
Warsaw, Krakow