Total Hip Replacement & Arthroplasty Surgery

I choose the type of fixation and bearing surfaces based on the quality of bone stock as well as functional needs of individual patient

Risks and Benefits

Overall, total hip replacement is one of the most successful operations in modern day surgery. In my practice, success rate of a total hip replacement is in the range of 90-95%. Pain relief and improvement in the quality of life is substantial in vast majority of patients. It improves mobility and alleviates pain during day-to-day activities. It also helps patients maintain an independent life with little/no dependence on carers/family.

Risks of total hip replacement include infection (around 1%), dislocation (1-2%), bleeding, DVT (clots in your leg), PE (clots in your lung), leg length discrepancy, loosening, wear, medical and anesthetic complications. Precautions are taken in order to minimize all the above risks e.g. use of antibiotic prophylaxis and specialized laminar airflow theatres to minimize the risk of infection, use of blood-thinning medications, and mechanical methods to reduce the risk of clots, etc.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

You are generally admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery. The average length of stay in the hospital is 3-4 days. During the hospital stay, a multi-disciplinary team including an orthopaedic team, ward doctor, nursing staff, physiotherapist, and occupational therapist, treats you. Once you and the team are happy with the progress, you are discharged from the hospital.

Post-operative mobilization includes the use of walking aids like walker or crutches, to begin with. You can subsequently use the walking stick/s until independent mobility can be achieved.

You can expect some swelling and redness around the wound and of the lower leg for a few weeks. Generally, by 6 to 12 weeks, functional recovery can be expected in most patients.

Implants of My Choice

I choose the implants for hip replacement very carefully for each patient. The type of hip replacement used in my clinical practice has a very long track record (>25 years) with excellent long-term survival. Currently, my preferred implants are Corail Femoral stem system (uncemented stem manufactured by Depuy Synthes), C stem AMT (cemented stem manufactured by Depuy Synthes), Pinnacle cup system (uncemented cup manufactured by Depuy Synthes) and Marathon cup (cemented cup manufactured by Depuy Synthes).

• Artificial Joint Replacement of the Hip
• Osteoarthritis of the Hip

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is a total hip replacement called?
A total hip replacement, also called Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), is a surgery where the damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint to relieve pain and restore movement.

Q2. What are the three types of hip replacements?
There are three main types of hip surgery:

• total hip replacement.
• partial hip replacement.
• hip resurfacing.

Q3. What is another name for total hip replacement?
Hip replacement surgery – also called total hip arthroplasty – may be your best option when nonsurgical treatments haven’t improved chronic hip pain caused by arthritis or a previous injury. lancashire hip replacement surgeons offer several different surgical approaches.

Q4. How long does it take to walk normally after a total hip replacement?
You typically start walking with a walking aid like crutches soon after a total hip replacement and can progress to walking independently within 6–8 weeks, with full recovery and return to normal activities taking 3–12 months.

Q5. How many hours is a total hip replacement surgery?
A total hip replacement surgery typically takes one to two hours to complete, though you will be in the operating theatre for longer for recovery from the anaesthetic. The exact duration can vary depending on the patient’s condition and the surgical technique used.

Q6. What are the three types of hip replacement?
The three main types of hip replacement surgeries are Total Hip Replacement (THA), which replaces the entire hip joint; Partial Hip Replacement (hemiarthroplasty), where only the ball part of the joint is replaced; and Hip Resurfacing, which involves replacing the damaged surfaces of the ball and socket without removing the entire joint.

Q7. What is the age limit for hip replacement?
There is no specific age limit for a hip replacement; the decision depends on an individual’s overall health and fitness for surgery, not just their age. While many patients are between 60 and 80, hip replacements are also performed successfully in teenagers and those over 80, with the primary factors being a severe hip condition and the patient’s ability to undergo rehabilitation.

Q8. What is the newest method of hip replacement?
The newest methods of hip replacement focus on minimally invasive surgical techniques like SuperPath and Kley Rapid Hip, which reduce tissue disruption and often allow for same-day or next-day discharge.

Q9. How long are you in hospital after a hip replacement?
After hip replacement surgery, you’ll likely be in the hospital for one to three days, though some patients may go home the same day or stay a bit longer.

Q10. What is the most successful type of hip replacement?
The Total Hip Replacement (THR), or total hip arthroplasty, is considered the most successful and common type of hip replacement, offering significant pain relief and functional improvement for patients with severe hip damage.

Q11. How long are you bedridden after a hip replacement?
You are not typically bedridden for an extended period after a hip replacement; most patients are encouraged to get up and move with walking aids within hours of surgery and can often go home the same day or the next.

Q12. What is the biggest complaint after hip replacement?
The biggest complaint after hip replacement is pain and stiffness around the hip area. Some people also report swelling, leg length difference, or difficulty moving during recovery.