Total Hip Replacement

A total hip replacement is indicated in patients who are suffering from wear and tear within the hip joint. This "wear and tear" process results in a thinning and destruction of the lining of the bones in the joint (the cartilage). This process affects the joints ability to move smoothly. When people experience pain as a result of this, coupled with typical features on an X-ray, it is termed "osteoarthritis" or simply arthritis.

The hip joint comprises of the ball (the femoral head) and the socket (the acetabulum) which slide against each other during normal function. During a total hip replacement both of  these portions of the joint are replaced. There are multiple different implant options that can be used in-order to achieve this. This could include implant that use bone cement to hold the implants in place or ones that allow bone to grow on to them. I will be happy to discuss the most suitable option with you during our consultation. 

If you require a total hip replacement then this can usually be done either under a general anaesthetic or a spinal. The majority of patients are able to get out of bed the following day under the guidance of the physiotherapy team. Most patients stay in hospital between 2-3 days. You will require a walking aid (stick or crutch) for six weeks after surgery. I use stitches underneath the skin so there are no painful clips to remove and an improved scar appearance.