What is a hip replacement and do I need one?

Written by: Mr Syed Ahmed
Published: | Updated: 05/07/2023
Edited by: Kalum Alleyne

As with any operation, there are many things to consider before deciding to go ahead with hip replacement surgery. Mr Syed Ahmed, an experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeon, is here to provide all the necessary information about the procedure and preparation for it, as well as recovery tips.

Do I need a hip replacement?

Hip replacement surgery is necessary for one whose mobility is reduced as a result of discomfort and pain in the groin, which could also be felt on the outside of the hip or radiate into the knee.


Osteoarthritis is one of the most frequently cited reasons for requiring a hip replacement. However, the joint can also be damaged by other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis of the hip and fractures.


You will be offered hip replacement surgery if you have deteriorating mobility, stiffness in the joint and it is having an impact on you performing your daily activities.


What does a hip replacement involve?

It involves the surgeon removing the arthritic or painful hip joint and replacing it with an artificial one. The procedure should alleviate the pain and make walking a lot easier.


Prior to surgery, most patients will be given a spinal anaesthetic and you may also be put to temporary sleep if required. This would prevent you from feeling any pain during the surgery or having any awareness of the procedure. The surgeon will then make a cut along the side of the hip and move the muscles connected to the top of the thighbone to expose the hip joint. Then a saw is used to remove the ball joint at the top of the thighbone.


The surgeon then prepares the surface of the hip, removing any damaged cartilage and attaches the replacement socket. Following this, an artificial joint is attached to the thighbone (femur) using either cement or a special material that allows the remaining bone to attach to the new joint.


This procedure usually takes 1-2 hours to perform. The NHS also provide a guide on how hip replacement is performed.


While most hip replacement surgeries today are performed using the standard technique (a single incision of 8 to 10 inches), in recent years, a more minimally invasive technique has gained more popularity. In the minimally invasive approach, the surgeon makes a smaller incision, disturbing less soft tissue structures for a more rapid recovery. The small cut also causes less blood loss, eases pain following surgery and reduces the length of the hospital stay.


What happens after a hip replacement?

You will likely stay in hospital for 2-3 nights. Physiotherapy usually begins the day after surgery and you should be walking with a walker, crutches, or a cane straight after. You will be discharged when you are mobilising comfortably in the hospital. You will receive physiotherapy for up to a year post-surgery.


Are there any activities you should avoid after hip replacement surgery?

You should refrain from strenuous actions like bending over, squatting, turning and twisting immediately after your procedure. You should also avoid crossing your legs.


What can you do at home after hip replacement surgery?

After surgery, there are many simple things that you can do to minimise pain and facilitate a quicker recovery, these include:

  • Minimal stair climbing. Try to arrange things accordingly so that you only have to climb stairs once or twice a day.
  • Sitting in straight backed chairs only, and avoid recliners and sofas.
  • Keeping floors tidy to avoid accidents.
  • Using an elevated toilet seat.
  • Keeping your wound dry until it heals completely to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Minimal contact with overzealous pets.


How long will my hip replacement last?

This is dependent on several different factors including your level of activity. Most joint registry data reveals that a hip replacement should last you 15-20 years.

 

Mr Ahmed is a highly esteemed consultant orthopaedic and trauma surgeon based in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells. To find out more about him and book an appointment, visit his profile.

By Mr Syed Ahmed
Orthopaedic surgery

Mr Syed Ahmed is a consultant orthopaedic and trauma surgeon with a subspecialty interest in minimally invasive hip replacements. He is also a high-volume hip surgeon. The protocols he and his team follow ensure minimal blood loss and early recovery following hip replacement surgery.

He is a fellowship-trained hip and knee surgeon, and his training at renowned medical institutions and his leading expertise contribute to the great level of professional and personalised care that he offers. His areas of expertise include hip and knee replacements, revision of hip replacements, hip and knee arthroscopy, periprosthetic fracture management and lower limb trauma. He also has an interest in robotic hip replacements, minimally invasive hip replacements, accelerated rehabilitation and enhanced recovery.

After graduating from the University of Sheffield Medical School in 2008, his training took place in Kent, Surrey and Sussex. This training lead him to taking on international experience in Toronto, Canada, where he further specialised in lower limb arthroplasty. He continued to hone his skills throughout his training: at University College London Hospital he gained significant experience in complex hip and knee replacements, revision hip surgery and robotic hip and knee arthroplasty.

As well as dedicating his career to providing professional and personalised patient care, he also commits to medical research. Mr Ahmed's work has been published in renowned peer-reviewed journals and he has presented his findings at international meetings. He also participates in the teaching of future specialists: He has given lectures on Masters programmes at University College London and Canterbury Christ Church University and is an instructor and tutor for the Royal College of Surgeons on their ATLS course.

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