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What is Hip Replacement?
A hip replacement is a common surgery where the damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial one (prostheses).
The main purpose of the hip joints is to support the upper body when a person is standing, walking and running, and to help with certain movements, such as bending and stretching.
Why would I need a hip replacement?
It might be necessary for you to have a hip replacement if one (or both) of your hip joints becomes damaged and causes you persistent pain or problems with everyday activities such as walking, driving and getting dressed.
Some common reasons why a hip joint can become damaged include:
- osteoarthritis – so-called "wear and tear" arthritis, leading to the bones rubbing against each other
- rheumatoid arthritis – this is caused by the body's own protective defence stem mistakenly attacking the lining of the joint, resulting in pain and stiffness
- hip fracture – if a hip joint becomes severely damaged during a fall or similar accident it may be necessary to replace it
Many of the conditions treated with a hip replacement are age-related so hip replacements are usually carried out in older adults aged between 60 and 80.
However, a hip replacement may occasionally be performed in younger people.
The purpose of a new hip joint is to:
- relieve pain
- improve the function of your hip
- improve your ability to move around
- improve your quality of life
What happens during hip replacement surgery?
The surgeon makes an cut into the hip, removes the diseased hip joint and then replaces it with an artificial joint.
The surgery usually takes around 1 to 2 hours to complete.
What Happens after a hip replacement surgery
For the first 4 to 6 weeks after the operation you will need a walker to help you walk which may not be necessary later depending upon patient to patient.
You will need to do physiotherapy exercises to build up your muscles and help regain movement.
Most people are able to resume normal activities within two to three months.
Most people experience a significant reduction in pain.
However, it is important to have realistic expectations about what the operation can achieve.
The rehabilitation process after surgery can be a demanding time and requires commitment.
Risks of hip replacement surgery
Complications of a hip replacement can include:
- hip dislocation
- infection at the site of the surgery
- injuries to the blood vessels or nerves
- a fracture
- differences in leg length
However, the risk of serious complications is low – estimated to be less than 1 in a 100.
What is the Life of the New Joint?
A modern artificial hip joint is designed to last for at least 15 to 20 years, but there is always the risk that the artificial hip joint can wear out depending upon the usage of the joint, meaning that further surgery may be required in such a case which would be known as a revision hip surgery.