What is Hip Replacement?
This is a surgical procedure that involves replacing the joint surfaces of the hip. The replacement of the femoral joint surface may involve a prosthesis with a stem that is placed deep in the femur (conventional hip replacement) or sits on its surface ( hip resurfacing). The acetabular joint surface is also replaced with these procedures.
There are other considerations with Joint Replacement such as what keeps the prosthesis in the bone and what the ball and socket are made of.
Prostheses can be fixed on/ in the bone with or without cement. The ball and socket can me made up of metal on both sides, metal on the ball side with polyethylene on the socket, ceramic on both sides or ceramic on the ball side and polyethylene on the socket side.
Shape and condition of the bone as well as age of the patient will affect these variables.
Indications For Surgery
Pain in the hip or knee at rest and/ or at night that does not respond to painkillers and modification of activity, in association with changes in the hip on xray. Marked stiffness of the joint is also an indication.
Age is not a determinant factor. If you are medically well enough to tolerate an anaesthetic, you can have a hip replacement.
Benefits of Surgery
The benefits from surgery are the relief of pain and improvement in range of hip motion.
The Hip replacement can be inserted though a conventional or Minimally invasive approach. Your suitability for minimally invasive surgery will be discussed at your consultation.
