How Serious Is Hip Replacement Surgery?
Chronic and persistent pain in the hip area can lead to various difficulties and may limit your daily activities. Hip surgery is often required when hip pain has become disabling, and an individual faces severe consequences.
However, one of the most common concerns associated with hip replacement surgery is that the surgery will negatively affect a person’s overall health. Some people may worry that the surgery can decrease the quality of life or lead to various complications involving anesthesia and differences in leg length. The most common complications of hip surgery can include the following:
- Infection
- Persistent pain
- Difficulty in walking
- Change in leg length
- Dislocation of the implant
- Allergic reaction to the implant
- Deep vein thrombosis
Like any other major surgery, it has the potential to have serious consequences. If the outcome is poor, older people can apply for disability benefits over 50, because there are separate sets of rules that older people have to follow.
Such surgeries can potentially lead to serious medical conditions, including stroke, heart attack, arrhythmia, and pneumonia. However, the most common complications relating to hip replacement surgery are blood clots.
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)may lead to the formation of a blood clot in the leg, which can cause sudden leg swelling.
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a type of blood clot that can travel to the lungs. As a result, an individual may experience an elevated heart rate, chest pain, or shortness of breath.
After this surgery, patients should follow the physical therapy guidelines that their healthcare provider gives them. A medical professional’s supervision can help to decrease the risk of blood clots.
- Patients should follow the recommended therapy and take the prescribed medications after surgery to reduce the potential risks.
- Even in the event of minor symptoms or pain, the patient should immediately call their surgeon and consult them about next steps.
Can you live a healthy life after this surgery?
During a hip replacement, the damaged part of your hip is often removed or replaced with metal, plastic, or ceramic parts. The recovery treatment plan may include the following:
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Injections
- Additional surgery
The surgery itself usually takes about three to four hours. Most patients are discharged from the hospital the same day or the next day. The recovery period is usually two weeks. After the surgery, a patient should take proper precautions and follow physical therapy as recommended by their doctor.
Patients may experience slight pain after the surgery is performed. In case of severe pain, it is important for patients to seek medical attention and emergency treatment. You can follow the below-mentioned tips to live a better life after the surgery:
- Use a cane or crutches for two weeks after the surgery, if required.
- Join a rehabilitation and physical therapy program after your surgery, if your doctor recommends it. These programs can help train you on how to position your hip correctly in daily movements.
- Keep walking, because it can be one of the best therapies.
- Regularly keep moving and changing your position even while sitting.
Does hip replacement qualify for disability?
Many people struggle with pain and complications after a hip replacement surgery, which can disrupt their daily life activities. If you are experiencing difficulties after a hip operation, you can consider seeking disability benefits. This surgery is listed in the Blue Book under Section 1.03. You can seek assistance from an experienced legal professional to make the SSDI application process easier.
To get approved for the benefits, you must have undergone a hip replacement and:
- Your condition must be severe, and you must be unable to perform medium or heavy work.
- You can provide detailed documentation about your medical treatment history.
- You cannot comfortably walk, sit, or stand within 12 months of the surgery.
If your symptoms or complications meet the listing, the Social Security Administration (SSA) can approve you for disability benefits.
Can I seek disability benefits for a hip replacement?
A person can claim benefits for hip replacement disability if they meet the eligibility criteria. One can also receive it under a medical-vocational allowance. An individual can file a disability application on the SSA website or via phone.
Before commencing the application, an individual should have the following in hand:
- Scans and test results from imaging exams: MRI or CT scan results can demonstrate the severity of your condition. One should have test results from both before and after surgery.
- Residual functional capacity test: This test can indicate your current ability to perform various physical functions, such as walking, standing, sitting, or pushing.
- Treatment attempts: The SSA will also evaluate your condition before the surgery and prior treatment attempts to fix your hip condition.
- Medical history: You should keep a record of regular healthcare provider check-up notes and prescribed medications.
The more evidence you have, the more likely you are to receive benefits. A disability attorney can advise you on how to proceed with your application. Your lawyer can make every step easier, improving the chances that the claimant can receive the monetary benefits they need without avoidable denials.