Total Hip Replacement
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or a traumatic injury can lead to persistent hip pain and limit your ability to enjoy life.
Living with chronic hip pain can be a daily challenge, affecting not only your physical capabilities but also your emotional well-being.
Total hip replacement surgery offers an effective and well proven surgical solution, providing relief and a path to reclaiming your mobility. This guide aims to give you a thorough understanding of what total hip replacement entails, including its benefits and risks, as well as insight into the recovery process.
What is Total Hip Replacement?
Total hip replacement, also known as hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to replace your damaged or worn-out hip joint with a prosthetic hip joint. These components, typically made from metal, ceramic, or high-grade plastics, take over the functions of the joint, allowing for smooth movement and alleviating pain. The surgery is often considered when other treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes, no longer provide relief.
What are the benefits of a Total Hip Replacement?
A total hip replacement is one of the most successful operations in medicine and in orthopaedic surgery as a specialty. The advantages of undergoing a total hip replacement can be life-changing, and include:
For many, the most immediate and noticeable benefit is the alleviation of severe hip pain. This relief can profoundly impact daily activities, making walking, standing, and even resting more comfortable.
Post-surgery, patients frequently experience substantial improvements in movement. Activities that were once painful and limiting, such as climbing stairs or bending over, become much more manageable.
Beyond physical benefits, there is a significant positive effect on mental health. With decreased pain and increased mobility, patients often feel a renewed sense of freedom, allowing them to engage more fully in social activities and hobbies that they enjoy.
Thanks to advances in surgical techniques and materials, today's prosthetic hip joints are designed for durability, often lasting 15 to 20 years or even longer, particularly with adherence to postoperative care guidelines.
What are some of the risks and complications of Total Hip Replacement?
As with any significant surgery, total hip replacement comes with potential risks and complications, though they are relatively rare.
There is always a small risk of infection following surgery. For patients undergoing total hip replacement for osteoarthritis with minimal risk factors for infection, this risk is often <1%. At Ortho ARC, and in our practice in multiple private hospital around Brisbane, we employ rigorous anti-infection protocols and procedures to minimise this risk, and patients will typically receive antibiotics during and after the procedure to further reduce the chance of infection.
Major surgeries, such as a hip replacement, can increase the likelihood of developing blood clots in the legs, known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Blood-thinning medications and early range of motion and physiotherapy are part of the postoperative plan to minimise this risk.
During the recovery period, there's a chance of the new hip joint dislocating. Patients are given specific movement restrictions and physiotherapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles and prevent this complication.
Although modern hip replacement protheses are long-lasting, wear and tear may occur, potentially necessitating a revision procedure. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and avoiding high-impact activities can help extend the life of the hip joint.
This can happen at the time of surgery or anytime after. Ultimately the risk is low, but this often will require additional surgery to stabilise the fracture, or revise the hip replacement to make sure patients have a stable and functioning hip join and prosthesis.
About Dr Blake Fidock
MBBS (Hons. 1), MTrauma (Ortho), FRACS (Ortho), FAOrthA
Orthopaedic Surgeon
What can I expect following my Total Hip Replacement?
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery from total hip replacement is a journey that requires dedication but brings rewarding results.
Most patients remain in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after surgery, during which they are monitored as they begin their recovery. Early mobilisation is often encouraged to aid in healing and prevent complications.
A personalised physiotherapy program is essential for strengthening the muscles around the hip and improving joint function. Starting these exercises early can significantly impact the speed and quality of recovery.
Once home, patients must adhere to guidelines that protect the new hip joint. This includes using supportive devices such as walkers or crutches initially, following prescribed exercises, and avoiding movements that could stress the joint.
Returning to normal daily activities
While most patients can resume normal activities within 6 to 12 weeks, full recovery can extend over several months. It's crucial to follow your treating teams advice and pace yourself to avoid setbacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are dealing with severe hip pain that interferes with daily activities and quality of life, and have not found relief through other treatments, then you may be a candidate for a total hip replacement.
A consultation with Dr Blake Fidock, Orthopaedic Surgeon and founder of Ortho ARC Brisbane can help you determine if this surgery is appropriate for you.
Typically, hip replacements can last 15 to 20 years or more. Approximately 8 out of every 100 total hip replacements will need a revision surgery by 20 years.
Ultimately, the longevity of the prosthetic hip joint depends on various factors, including the patient’s age and gender, weight, medical comorbidities, and adherence to medical advice regarding joint protection.
Final Comments
A total hip replacement can be a profoundly rewarding procedure that restores freedom of movement and significantly enhances quality of life. By understanding what the procedure entails, its benefits, potential risks, and the recovery roadmap, you can approach your surgery confidently and optimistically.
Contact us today
and take the first steps in your journey to
Experiencing Relief, and Regaining Your Mobility