What is a hip replacement?

A hip replacement, sometimes also called a hip arthroplasty, is a very common operation. The procedure involves a damaged hip joint being replaced with an artificial joint, which is known as an implant. Hip replacement surgery is most prevalent in adults between the ages of 60 and 80, but adults of any age can be considered for the procedure.  

When is a hip replacement necessary?

Usually, the decision to carry out a hip replacement is made if the patient’s mobility has considerably deteriorated, to the point where there is pain even during periods of rest.

There are many factors that could lead to a patient being offered a hip replacement, which include: hip pain that is so severe it threatens quality of life and sleep, everyday tasks such as shopping and getting out of the bath causing difficulty and a patient feeling depressed as a direct result of their hip pain.

Treatment

Non-surgical treatment

A hip replacement after suffering from pain or discomfort is not always the immediate treatment option.

It is likely that your consultant will advise you to try physiotherapy sessions or steroid injections first.

Anaesthetic options

When you’ve had time to settle into your private room, your anaesthetist will administer a general anaesthetic, where you’re completely asleep, or an epidural (spinal anaesthetic) where you’ll be numb from the waist down. If you’re having an epidural, you can also have sedatives to help you relax.

It is important to note that a hip replacement will require a stay in hospital.

During your operation

Once the anaesthetic has taken effect, your surgeon will make one or more incisions in your hip, remove both the socket and the top of your thigh bone and replace them with a new artificial hip joint. Generally, hip replacement surgery takes between 60 and 90 minutes.

Mako robotic-arm assisted surgery

At the OrthTeam Centre, we always strive to be at the forefront of providing state-of-the-art orthopaedic technology to our patients. OrthTeam specialists, Professor Max Fehily and Mr Adam Hoad-Reddick, were among the first consultants in the North of England to perform the pioneering Mako robotic total hip replacement surgery. Between them, they have undertaken more than 300 Mako procedures.

Mr Hoad-Reddick also uses the system to perform knee replacement procedures.

The Mako system is used to assist during robotic total hip and knee replacements. The advanced technology allows the surgeon to deliver a personalised surgical plan for patients undergoing joint replacement surgery. This means that the artificial joint can be placed in the exactly the right position for each and every patient.

Recovery

The typical length of stay in hospital after undergoing standard hip replacement surgery is three to five days. Your dedicated physiotherapist will get you on your feet as you feel ready and will provide exercises to help you make the most of your hip replacement.

Your physiotherapist will also provide exercises to aid your recovery.

Here is a timeline to give you an estimation of how long a recovery from a hip replacement might take:

• 1 to 2 days - walking with help from a physiotherapist
• 2 to 5 days - leave hospital
• 1 to 2 weeks - walking more using a walking aid
• 2 to 6 weeks - gradually able to do more exercises
• 6 to 8 weeks - able to drive
• 12 weeks - return to work and your normal activities