Patient H.T.T (41 years old, An Giang province) when she was 3 years old, Ms. H.T.T could not stand or walk normally and was taken by her family to a specialized orthopedic trauma hospital for treatment. After intervention, Ms. T. could walk but her right leg was weak and she could walk erratically. However, for many years, she still lived, worked, got married and had children normally.
About 6 months ago (from June 2025), Ms. H.T.T developed severe pain in the right hip joint area, stiff joints, severe mobility limitations, unable to stand for long periods or work, forced to quit selling rice.
Due to increasing pain, Ms. T. was taken from An Giang to Gia Dinh People's Hospital (facility 2) for examination. Through diagnostic imaging using pelvic X-rays and non-optical hip CT scans, doctors determined that she had severe right hip osteoarthritis and prescribed non-cementic total hip replacement surgery.
The surgery was successfully performed. After 3 days, she started physical therapy, walked stably and was discharged from the hospital in good recovery.
BS.CKII Tran Hoa, Deputy Head of the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Gia Dinh People's Hospital, said: "For cases of congenital hip dislocation, early detection and intervention at specialized facilities is very important to limit complications later. Hip osteoarthritis is common in older adults due to a long process of joint abrasion, but can also occur early in people with abnormal joint structure from a young age. If not treated promptly, the disease can cause prolonged pain, reduce movement and lead to permanent disability.
Thorough hip replacement is considered the final treatment solution when conservation methods are no longer effective. Surgery significantly improves mobility, helping patients return to normal living and working soon. However, artificial hip joints are not completely like natural joints, so early and proper rehabilitation after surgery plays a key role in preventing complications and prolonging joint life.
After surgery, Ms. H.T.T was advised not to squat, avoid positions with risk of dislocation, and at the same time exercise to strengthen the quadriceps to ensure stable walking ability. Usually, patients can be discharged after 5-10 days and need to use crutches or walking frames in the early stages.
