Total Hip Replacement
Who is this operation for?
The right hip has a Total Hip Replacement and the left hip is normal.
A Total Hip Replacement is for patients who have severe pain and stiffness in the hip.
Reasons to replace a hip
The most common reason to replace a hip is arthritis. There are many causes of arthritis, but the most common ones include:
- Osteoarthritis. Usually affects people above 50 years old, but can affect people who are younger. It is essentially a 'Wear and Tear' process affecting the cartilage of your hip. Cartilage covers the bones of your hip joint, the femoral head (ball) and acetabulum (socket). As you age, your cartilage wears down, causing hip pain and stiffness.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. Is an autoimmune disease in which a special membrane in you hip joint, called the synovial membrane becomes inflamed. This inflammation damages the joint cartilage.
- Osteonecrosis. You hip joint can be affected by a condition called osteonecrosis or 'bone death'. There are many possible reasons for osteonecrosis which include prolonged steroid use, alcohol abuse or genetics.
The Right Hip has been affected by Osteoarthritis
Is Hip Replacement Surgery for You?
Whether to have hip replacement surgery should be a joint decision made by:
- yourself
- your family
- your family doctor (GP)
- your orthopaedic surgeon.
You should consider
- the pros and cons of the operation,
- the possible complications
- alternative treatments other than surgery
- the surgical options
You may benefit from hip replacement surgery, if:
- Your hip pain is severe
- It limits your movements and activites such as walking and climbing stairs
- It impairs your ability to look after yourself such as showering, putting on shoes.
- The pain is present at night and at rest.
- You have tried non-surgical alternatives without success
Nonsurgical options
- Hip replacement surgery should only be considered after trying other options that don't involve surgery.
- These include
- pain relieving medications
- physiotherapy
- weight loss
- walking aids such as walking sticks.
What to Expect From Hip Replacement Surgery
It is important to understand what a hip replacement can and cannot do before deciding to undergone the operation.
Most people who have a hip replacement surgery experience a dramatic reduction of hip pain and a significant improvement in movement allowing them to better perform common activities of dailiy living.
However, their are certain things that you cannot do with a hip replacement. Such as
- jogging
- any high impact sports such as football.
You will also be restricted from certain movements that may lead to dislocation of your hip.