Home > Condition & Treatment Map > Hip & Pelvis Conditions & Treatments > Total Hip Replacement

Hip replacement surgeries can be used to treat a wide range of different hip conditions and relieve pain and stiffness. While it is a complex procedure, it has a high success rate, and a good outcome is usually expected. There are different kinds of hip replacement surgeries, total and anterior hip replacement. However, total hip replacement is the most common. This involves replacing damaged portions of the hip with artificial implants. The procedure is also called total hip arthroplasty.

Causes

There are several reasons why someone might need total hip replacement surgery, including injuries and conditions. Some common causes include:

Hip arthritis
Hip fractures
Disorders that cause unusual bone growth

Symptoms

The different conditions that can require total hip arthroplasty manifest differently and come with different symptoms, but there are some symptoms you should look out for that could indicate you might need a hip replacement.

Pain
Swelling
Stiffness and reduced mobility

Who Gets Hip Replacement Surgery?

Surgery is only recommended for patients who have hip pain so severe it interferes with their ability to perform daily tasks or sleep. Your mobility might be severely impaired and your ability to live independently or have a social life is affected. Many people are good candidates for this surgery, no matter their age. But you will have to be healthy enough to undergo the surgery and the recovery process afterwards. Furthermore, being overweight can cause problems with recovery and increase the risk of complications, so you might be requested to lose some weight. Patients are assessed individually, and your orthopaedic surgeon will look at your condition, medical history and more to determine whether surgery is right and safe for you.

How Total Hip Replacement Surgery Works?

This type of surgery usually takes only one to two hours to complete. It can be done under general anaesthetic, where you are unconscious, or spinal anaesthetic, where you are conscious but lack sensation from the waist down. The incision is usually made on the back of the hip, but it can also be done on the front. During the surgery, the worn out or damaged parts of your hip will be taken out. In their place, artificial implants will be put in. During a total hip arthroplasty, the socket and femoral head will both be replaced. You will probably stay in the hospital for one or two nights afterwards.

Preparing for Total Hip Arthroplasty Surgery

Preparing for a total hip replacement surgery might involve a weight loss regimen. You would also do yourself a favour by staying as active as possible and strengthening the muscles around your hips, which will help your recovery and improve your chances of a good outcome. Your preparations should also include planning on how you will take care of yourself while recovering from surgery. This can include planning for someone else to get your groceries and help you out around the home and equipping your home with accessibility items like handrails in the shower or bath and secure handrails along stairs. Your bone surgeon will also inform you about any steps to take and what you should do before surgery. These instructions should be followed carefully, as they exist for a reason.

What to Expect After a Total Hip Arthroplasty

Most patients experience a great reduction in pain and improvement in mobility after surgery. For the first 3-6 weeks after surgery, you should expect to take it very easy and will not be able to perform many tasks around the home. You will receive an activity program from your surgeon to help you improve your mobility and recovery.

Total Hip Replacement