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
- 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


Revision hip replacement: why do hip replacements fail?
By Mr Nick de Roeck
2022-06-30
Hip replacement is generally a very successful procedure in relieving the pain and stiffness associated with a damaged hip joint. However, hip replacements can fail and there are several reasons why this can happen. Expert orthopaedic surgeon Mr Nick de Roeck explains why. See more


How to know if your hip replacement is becoming loose (and what to do about it)
By Mr Adam Cohen
2022-06-29
How does a hip replacement become loose? Mr Adam Cohen explains how this can happen, how common it is and also the necessary treatment. See more


All you need to know about hip replacement in young adults
By Mr Adam Cohen
2022-06-29
Nowadays, it is becoming more common for the younger, sporty generation to have hip replacements. We've asked one of our expert orthopaedic surgeons Mr Adam Cohen just why a hip replacement may be necessary and what life will be like after surgery in young people. See more


Guide to the costs of hip surgery
By Mr Rishi Chana
2022-06-29
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
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Mr Manoj Sood
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Hip replacement
- Knee replacement
- Anterior cruciate ligament
- Sports injuries
- Knee cartilage replacement
- Tendon injuries
-
Mr Pramod Achan
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Hip
- Hip prosthesis
- Hip arthroscopy
- Sport surgery
- Hip replacement
- Knee arthroscopy
-
Mr James Donaldson
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Anterior cruciate ligament
- Arthroplasty
- Hip replacement
- Knee arthroscopy
- Knee replacement
- Sports injuries
-
Mr Philip Mitchell
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Hip replacement
- Knee replacement
- Revision hip replacement
- Hip prosthesis
- Arthritis
- Hip fracture
-
Mr Jehangir Mahaluxmivala
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Knee replacement
- Hip replacement
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Osteoarthritis of the hip
- Knee arthroscopy
- Arthroplasty
- See all

Surrey Orthopaedic Clinic
Surrey Orthopaedic Clinic
Prime Health Weybridge, Horizon Business Village No 10 & 11, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0TJ
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Orthopaedic Specialists
Orthopaedic Specialists
Harley Street Specialist Hospital, 18-22 Queen Anne Street, Marylebone, W1G 8HA
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Top Doctors

Total Orthopaedics
Total Orthopaedics
1 Damson Parkway, B91 2PP
No existe teléfono en el centro.
By using the telephone number provided by TOP DOCTORS, you automatically agree to let us use your phone number for statistical and commercial purposes. For further information, read our Privacy Policy
Top Doctors
-
Surrey Orthopaedic Clinic
Prime Health Weybridge, Horizon Business Village No 10 & 11, 1 Brooklands Road, Weybridge KT13 0TJ, GuildfordExpert in:
- Foot and ankle
- Hand and wrist
- Hip
- Knee
- Shoulder and elbow
- Spine
-
Orthopaedic Specialists
Harley Street Specialist Hospital, 18-22 Queen Anne Street, Marylebone, W1G 8HA, W1G Marylebone LondonExpert in:
- Minimal access surgery (keyhole surgery)
- Joint preservation surgery
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Sports Medicine
- Regenerative Medicine
- Joint replacement
-
Total Orthopaedics
1 Damson Parkway, B91 2PP, SolihullExpert in:
- Hip
- Shoulder and elbow
- Hand and wrist
- Foot and ankle
- Knee
- See all