Hip replacement
What is it?
A hip replacement is a type of surgery in which a degenerated hip is replaced with an artificial joint.
There are different kinds of hip prosthesis which depend on how the affected bones are replaced:
- total hip replacement
- partial hip replacement
- revision prosthesis
- hip resurfacing
Why would you do it?
A hip replacement is used to alleviate pain and restore function in patients who have not responded to previous treatment (rest, rehabilitation, and anti-inflammatories).
Replacing the hip with a prosthesis is recommended in cases where there is hip osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a hip fracture.
What does it involve?
To carry out the procedure general or spinal (from the waist down) anaesthetic is used. When replacing the prosthesis, general anaesthetic is used as the procedure tends to take more time.
The materials used in a hip prosthesis are intended to make movement be as similar as possible to normal joint movements. Different types of metal are used to make the implants, including: stainless steel, cobalt alloys, chromium, titanium. Some replacements are made of plastic – normally polyethylene, which is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear.
The surgery usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes to complete.
How to prepare for a replacement
A preoperative study is carried out before the procedure and includes:
- blood tests
- chest X-ray
- echocardiogram
In some cases, additional tests may be needed, such as a pulmonary ventilation test or allergy tests.
Finally, you will have a meeting with the anaesthetist to check your suitability for a general anaesthetic or epidural.
Post-operative care
After the operation, you are likely to need to use crutches for four to six weeks. Rehabilitation is a long process but you will be enrolled in a program to help you get moving again and gradually build up your strength.
To help the area recover:
- wash the surgical wound and gently massage in moisturiser twice a day
- keep the leg elevated whenever possible
- sit on chairs that are high and have armrests or sit on firm sofas.
- use comfortable shoes that give good foot support
- follow a balanced diet that is high in iron and fibre and with plenty of fluids
- take extra care at home, removing carpets, cable, or furniture that could cause a fall and be careful on wet floors
It can also help to sleep face up and with a pillow between the legs and not to sleep on their side. When going to the toilet, you can use a raise toilet seat temporarily to avoid excessive joint flexion.
Finally, it is important to seek urgent medical help if you experience the following symptoms:
- a heavy ache in the hip
- pain and tenderness in one of your legs
- breathlessness or chest pain
- a high temperature
- hip pain even at rest
Articles related to
Is hip replacement surgery successful?
By Mr Nick de Roeck
2019-11-20
Hip replacement surgery is a very successful operation for a majority of patients. Most patients return to normal activities after three months. As with every operation, there are risks that the hip replacement might fail. We asked orthopaedic surgeon Mr Nick de Roeck to tell us more about common reasons for hip replacement failure. See more
Hip fractures: what can be done?
By Mr Alex Chipperfield
2019-11-20
You may not often consider the importance of the hip. This joint supports our weight as we move, allowing us to walk or run. Hip fractures are not uncommon, nor should they be sniffed at. They can be very serious injuries with a lengthy recovery process. What can be done about them? Leading orthopaedic surgeon Mr Alex Chipperfield is here to explain. See more
Guide to the costs of hip surgery
By Mr Rishi Chana
2019-11-20
Hip surgery can change your life for the better after suffering from conditions such as arthritis. However, the costs of the procedure are something to think about when considering surgery. Leading hip surgeon Mr Rishi Chana is here with a handy guide to the costs of hip surgery. See more
Robotic hip surgery: an expert’s guide
By Mr Winston Kim
2019-11-20
Hip replacements are a fairly common procedure as people get older. Wear and tear in the hip can mean that the only option is to replace the ball and socket joint with a prosthetic. Now, this procedure can be done with the assistance of robotic technology. Mr Winston Kim explains the advantages of robotic-assisted hip surgery. See more
Experts in
-
Mr Vikas Vedi
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Hip
- Hip replacement
- Knee replacement
- Sports injuries
- Knee arthroscopy
- Biological therapy
-
Mr Dean Michael
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Hip replacement
- Hip arthroscopy
- Revision hip replacement
- Knee replacement
- Revision knee replacement
- Foot and ankle
Related clinics
Surrey Orthopaedic Clinic
Surrey Orthopaedic Clinic
BMI Runnymede Hospital, Guildford Rd, Ottershaw
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Top Doctors
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Surrey Orthopaedic Clinic
BMI Runnymede Hospital, Guildford Rd, Ottershaw, GuildfordExpert in:
- Hip
- Spine
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- Knee
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