Total Hip Replacement Treatments

How is Total Hip Replacement surgery performed?

The surgery is performed under general or regional (spinal or epidural) anaesthesia. The hip joint can be exposed using many different surgical approaches such as the posterior approach, direct anterior approach (DAA) or the anterolateral approach.

 

During the procedure a surgical cut is made over the hip, the overlying muscles are moved or split to expose the hip joint and the femur is dislocated from the acetabulum. The surface of the socket is cleaned and the damaged or arthritic bone is removed using a reamer. The acetabular component is inserted into the socket using screws or occasionally bone cement. A liner made of plastic, ceramic or metal is placed inside the acetabular component.

Care First Orthopaedic - Total Hip Replacement Surgery

The femur or thigh bone is then prepared by removing the arthritic bone using special instruments, to exactly fit the new metal femoral component. The femoral component is then inserted to the femur either by press fit or using bone cement. Then the femoral head component made of metal or ceramic is placed on the femoral stem. The muscles and tendons around the new joint are repaired and the incision is closed.

What is recovery like after Total Hip Replacement surgery?

After undergoing total hip replacement, a patient usually stays in hospital between 2-5 days. The patient is given intravenous antibiotics and medication to prevent a thromboembolic event (clot in the legs or lungs). Mechanical compression pumps also help push the blood out of the leg and prevent stagnation. Patients have an x-ray while in recovery to confirm satisfactory placement of the hip components and routine blood tests are performed during the next few days to check kidney and liver function and to check for blood loss. Newer techniques in anaesthesia, surgery and the use of medication like Tranexamic acid have significantly decreased the rate of blood transfusions after surgery.

Patients usually start walking as soon as they recover from the anaesthetic. Patients may need a walking frame initially until they are stable and can use crutches or a walking stick. Most patients are discharged home if they their home environment is suitable. A small proportion may need transfer to a rehabilitation hospital.

Patients usually engage in physiotherapy after surgery and may engage in hydrotherapy 4-6 weeks after their surgery to allow appropriate wound healing and avoid the risk of contamination and infection.

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Precautions after Total Hip Replacement Surgery

After surgery, patients may need to take some precautions such as:

Care First Orthopaedic - Total Hip Replacement Risks

What are the risks associated with Total Hip Replacement surgery?

As with any major surgical procedure, there are certain potential risks and complications involved with total hip replacement surgery. The possible complications after total hip replacement include:

When you come for your consultation, Dr Khatib will discuss your condition and outline all suitable treatment (surgical and non-surgical) options with you.

Total Hip Replacement Conditions

View conditions for Total Hip Replacement.

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