Hip replacement surgery

Hip replacement surgery is a procedure to remove a diseased hip joint and replace it with an artificial joint (prosthesis). Hip replacement is generally used for people with hip joint damage from an injury or arthritis. Bone tumour and osteonecrosis can also damage the hip joint and sometimes necessitating hip replacement surgery.

Before considering surgery, patients are usually recommended other treatment, such as physical therapy, exercise and medication. It these treatments fail to relieve the pain, you should opt for hip replacement.

The surgery

During the surgery the surgeon makes an incision over the side of the hip to reveal the bone. Then he or she removes the damaged bone, cartilage and tissue and implants a prosthetic socket into the pelvic bone. Then the round top of the femur (thigh bone) is replaced with a prosthetic ball. This ball is attached to a stem fitted in the thigh bone.

After surgery

After surgery patients are at increased risk of blood clots in the legs. To prevent this complication they are encouraged to sit up and try walking with crutches or a walker as soon as possible. They are also advised to wear elastic compression stockings to enhance the blood flow in the legs. Patients are usually also prescribed blood-thinning medication. Physical therapy is also very important after the surgery. Certain exercises can help speed recovery.

Patients are usually able to return to their normal activities six to eight weeks after the surgeries.

Although a hip replacement surgery reduces the pain people feel and increase the range of motion they can do, some activities should be avoided after the surgery (e.g. running).

Complications and risks

The risks of hip replacement surgery are similar to those of other operations: allergic reactions to anaesthesia, bleeding, infection, scarring, swelling, or bruising.

Additional risks of hip replacement surgery are: allergic reaction to the implant, blood vessel or nerve damage during the surgery, dislocation or the loosening of the implant, joint stiffening, and breakage of the prosthesis. The prosthetic hip joint may wear out over time. How long it will last depends on many factors, such as a patient's physical condition, body weight, activity level and the surgical technique.

You can avoid most complications by choosing the right surgeon and following pre- and postoperative instructions.