Total Hip Replacement Surgery

This webpage will give you information about a total hip replacement. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a group of conditions where there is progressive damage to one or more joints. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, where there is progressive wear and tear of a joint. Some other types of arthritis are associated with inflammation of the joints.

The end result of arthritis is that the normal cartilage covering the joint surfaces wears away and the bone underneath becomes damaged. This causes joint pain and stiffness.

What are the benefits of surgery?

If your hip replacement is successful, you should have less pain and be able to walk more easily.

Are there any alternatives to surgery?

Simple painkillers such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen can help control the pain. Supplements to your diet may also help to relieve your symptoms. You should check with your doctor before taking supplements.

Using a walking stick can make walking easier, as can a small shoe-raise. Regular moderate exercise helps to reduce stiffness. A steroid injection into the hip joint can sometimes reduce pain and stiffness. All of these measures become less effective as the arthritis gets worse.

What does the operation involve?

A variety of anaesthetic techniques are possible.

Your surgeon will make a cut on the side of your hip and remove the damaged ball and socket. They will replace these with an artificial ball and socket made of metal, plastic, ceramic, or a combination of these materials (see figure 1).

Hip replacment

Figure 1 - Hip replacement

An acrylic cement or special coatings on the hip replacement bond it directly to the bone.

What complications can happen?

1 General complications of any operation

Pain
Bleeding
Infection in the surgical wound
Unsightly scarring
Blood clots
Difficulty passing urine
Chest infection
Heart attack or stroke

2 Specific complications of this operation

Split in the femur
Damage to nerves
Infection in the hip
Bone forming in muscles around the hip replacement
Loosening
Dislocation
Leg length difference

How soon will I recover?

You should be able to go home after five to seven days.

You will need to use crutches or walking sticks for a few weeks.

Most people make a good recovery, with much less pain and better mobility. An artificial hip never feels quite the same as a normal hip, and it is important to look after it in the long term. A hip replacement can wear out with time.

Summary

In a few cases, arthritis of the hip is a result of a previous hip injury or rheumatoid arthritis. Usually it happens without a known cause. If you suffer severe pain, stiffness and disability, a hip replacement should reduce your pain and help you to walk more easily.