hip pain

Total Hip Replacement Surgery

Also known as Total Hip Arthroplasty

In a Total Hip Replacement Surgery the damaged cartilage and bone from the hip is removed and replaced with special implants:

The femoral head is removed and replaced with a metal stem that can be cemented into the shaft of the femur. For younger patients with good quality bone, sometimes an uncemented stem is impacted into the femoral shaft.

A metal or ceramic ball is placed on the metal stem to replace the femoral head.

The worn cartilage of the hip socket (acetabulum) is removed and replaced with a metal shell. A plastic or ceramic liner is placed with this shell. This allows a smooth, low friction articulation with the new femoral head.

During the operation itself, I aim to use the smallest possible incision (minimally invasive surgery) to perform the surgery. This is not always possible in complex or revision surgery or when the patient is very large. I aim to handle the tissues with care and minimise blood loss, to reduce post-operative pain and allow a swift recovery.

Typically the operation takes an hour, with several more hours of observation in the Recovery ward before the patient is discharged to the General Ward.