Hip Replacement

What is a hip replacement?

Hip replacement, also known as total hip replacement (THR) or total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common orthopaedic procedure performed to relieve pain and restore mobility in patients with severe hip joint damage due to conditions like osteoarthritis or hip fractures. The procedure involves replacing a damaged hip joint with an artificial joint (prosthesis). The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint where the femur (thigh bone) meets the pelvis. Over time, this joint can become worn or damaged, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Hip replacement surgery aims to alleviate these symptoms, providing a stable and functional joint.

When is a hip replacement necessary?

The most common reason for hip replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, a condition that causes the cartilage in the hip joint to wear down. Without this cartilage, the bones rub together, causing pain and stiffness. Other reasons for hip replacement include rheumatoid arthritis, hip fractures, or conditions like dysplasia that affect the normal function of the joint. In cases where other treatments like physiotherapy or pain relief medications have not provided sufficient relief, hip replacement may be recommended.

What does a hip replacement involve?

When patients arrive at the hospital, they will meet a nurse the anaesthetist and their surgeon. Knee replacement surgery is typically performed under general anaesthetic or spinal anaesthesia. The surgeon will make an incision over the hip, remove the damaged bone and cartilage, and replace it with an artificial joint made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials. The surgery usually takes around 60-90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case. Most patients stay in the hospital for 2-5 days following the procedure. Physiotherapy is introduced almost immediately to help regain movement in the new joint and to prevent complications such as blood clots. Patients are usually able to walk with assistance within a day or two of surgery.

What are the potential risks and complications?

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with hip replacement. These include: infection, bleeding, blood clots, loosening or wearing down of the prosthesis over time. In rare cases, some patients may experience persistent pain or limited mobility after surgery. To minimise the risk of complications, patients are usually given blood-thinning medications to reduce the chance of blood clots, and steps are taken to ensure the surgical area remains sterile to prevent infection. Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor the function of the new joint and address any potential issues early on. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you before the procedure.

After the hip replacement operation

Recovery times can vary depending on several factors, including age, fitness level, and the complexity of the surgery. Most patients can return to their normal activities within 6-12 weeks. During this period, it’s important to follow the advice of the surgeon and physiotherapist, attend follow-up appointments, and adhere to any prescribed exercises. If severe pain or persistent bleeding develops after going home, it is important to contact the hospital, your GP, or local A&E department immediately for further advice. Patients can expect to experience some discomfort during the recovery phase, but this typically improves over time. Pain relief medications will be provided, and patients are encouraged to move around as much as possible to aid recovery. Many people report a significant reduction in hip pain and improved mobility once they have fully recovered from the procedure.

A hip replacement can last for 15-20 years or longer, depending on the type of prosthesis used and the patient’s activity levels. Modern advancements in materials and surgical techniques have significantly improved the longevity of hip implants.

Patients who have undergone a hip replacement can expect a significant improvement in their quality of life. Most people report reduced pain, increased mobility, and the ability to resume activities that they had previously found too painful, such as walking, swimming, or light exercise. However, it’s important to avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping, which can put excessive strain on the artificial joint.

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