What is Hip Replacement?

Hip replacement surgery is a procedure in which a surgeon surgically removes the damaged parts of the hip joint. These parts are typically made of metal, ceramic or very hard plastic. During the surgery, the damaged parts are replaced with artificial joints (prosthesis). This joint helps to reduce pain and improves function.

Hip replacement surgery may also be considered if pain in the hip prevents daily activities and non-surgical treatments have failed or become ineffective. The most common reason for hip replacement is arthritis damage.

How you prepare

Before your operation, you will have a pre-operative check-up with orthopedic surgeons. During this check-up, the surgeon will:

• Ask about your medical background and current medications.

• Inspect your hip, taking note of the range of movement in your hip and the strength in the surrounding muscles.

• Book a blood test and an x-ray (an MRI is seldom required).

• Ask the surgeon any questions you may have about the operation.

• Ask the surgeon which medications to avoid or continue in the week prior to surgery.

As tobacco use can disrupt healing, it is best to avoid tobacco products. Ask your doctor if you need help quitting tobacco.

During the procedure:

A hip replacement can be performed in as little as two hours. To do this, the surgeon will:

• Make an incision through the hip’s layers of tissue.

• Remove diseased and damaged bones and cartilage from the hip, leaving healthy bone behind.

• Insert the replacement socket into your pelvic bone.

• Insert a metal stem through the top of your thighbone, then top with a replacement ball.

What you can expect:

A hip replacement can be performed in as little as two hours. The surgeon will make an incision through the hip, removing diseased or damaged bone, cartilage, and cartilage while leaving healthy bone behind. They will then implant the replacement socket in the pelvic bone. Finally, a metal stem will be inserted into the upper thighbone, where a replacement ball will be placed.

Risks

Blood Clots: replacement surgery can cause blood clots in your leg veins, which can be life-threatening if a clot breaks off and travels to your lungs, heart, or, in rare cases, your brain. Blood thinners can help reduce the risk of blood clots.

Infection: It can develop at the incision site and in the deep tissue surrounding your new hip. While most infections are treatable with antibiotics, a severe infection near your new hip may require surgery.

Fracture: It can occur in healthy portions of your hip joint during surgery. In some cases, small fractures may heal by themselves, but in other cases, you may need to have surgery to stabilize the fracture.

Dislocation: In some cases, the ball of your new joint may become dislodged from the socket, especially in the first couple of months after the surgery. If your hip becomes dislocated, you may need a brace to help keep it in place. If your hip continues to dislocate, you may need surgery.