What Is a Hip Replacement?
Hip replacement, also known as arthroplasty, is a surgery where the damaged parts of your hip joint are removed and replaced with artificial parts called a prosthesis. The main aim of this surgery is to reduce pain, improve movement, and help you return to your normal daily activities.
Total hip replacement surgery may be recommended for people who have:
- Persistent hip pain that makes everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or bending difficult.
- Hip pain at rest, including pain that continues during the day or at night.
- Hip stiffness and reduced movement that makes it difficult to move or lift the leg.
- Limited relief from other treatments, such as anti-inflammatory medicines, physiotherapy, or walking aids.
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How is the total hip replacement surgery performed?
In a total hip replacement surgery (also called total hip arthroplasty), the damaged bone and cartilage is removed and replaced with prosthetic components.
The procedure generally involves the following steps:
- Removing the damaged femoral head: The damaged ball at the top of the thigh bone (femur) is removed. A metal stem is then placed inside the hollow centre of the femur. Depending on the patient’s bone quality, the stem may be fixed with bone cement or designed to fit firmly into the bone.
- Placing the new femoral head: A metal or ceramic ball is attached to the top of the stem. This replaces the damaged femoral head and forms the new ball of the hip joint.
- Replacing the hip socket: The damaged cartilage and bone from the hip socket (acetabulum) are prepared and replaced with an artificial metal socket. Screws may sometimes be used to provide additional fixation.
- Adding the spacer: A smooth liner made of plastic, ceramic, or metal is placed between the new ball and socket. This allows the artificial joint to move smoothly.
What to Expect After Hip Replacement Surgery
An important factor in deciding whether to have hip replacement surgery is understanding what the procedure can and cannot do. Most people who undergo hip replacement surgery experience a significant reduction in hip pain and an improvement in their ability to perform everyday activities.
With normal use and activity, the material between the head and socket of a hip replacement implant gradually begins to wear over time. Excessive activity or being overweight may speed up this wear and may cause the hip replacement to loosen, which can lead to pain. Therefore, most hip replacement surgeons advise avoiding high-impact activities such as running, jogging, jumping, and other high-impact sports.
After total hip replacement, activities such as walking, swimming, golf, driving, hiking, cycling, dancing, and other low-impact activities are generally more suitable.
With appropriate activity modification and proper care, hip replacements can last for many years.
Common Causes of Hip Pain
The most common cause of chronic hip pain and disability is arthritis. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis,ankylosing spondylitis and traumatic arthritis are the most common forms of this disease.
- Osteoarthritis. This is an age-related “wear and tear” type of arthritis.
- Post-traumatic arthritis.
- Childhood hip disease.
- Avascular necrosis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis/ ankylosing arthritis.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is total hip replacement surgery?
It replaces the damaged hip joint with an artificial ball and socket to relieve pain and restore motion.
How to prepare for total hip replacement surgery?
Stay active, do light exercises, avoid smoking, and complete all medical tests as advised by your doctor.
How long does total hip replacement surgery take?
It usually takes around 2 to 3 hours.