Total Hip Replacement
A hip is replaced when the pain has taken away the things you would otherwise still be doing: walking to the shop, sleeping through the night, putting on your own shoes. The worn surfaces are removed and replaced with an implant, and for most people the pain that made those things difficult is gone.
- Laminar flow theatres
- Standing within a day or two
- Rehabilitation planned before surgery
- Implants lasting well beyond fifteen years
Stay
3 to 5 days
Duration
About 1 to 2 hours
Anaesthesia
Spinal or general
About Total Hip Replacement
The damaged ball and socket are removed and replaced with a metal stem, a ball and a socket liner. The operation itself is the short part. What decides the result is the preparation beforehand and the physiotherapy afterwards, which is why rehabilitation is planned before the date is set rather than arranged on discharge.
- The operation is short; the rehabilitation is what decides the result
- Infection is the complication that can cost the implant
- Weight and muscle strength before surgery affect recovery
- Most implants last well beyond fifteen years
Before you read on
Everything here is general information about total hip replacement. Whether it suits you, and how it would be done in your case, is a decision for your doctor after examining you.
Your consultant's instructions always take precedence over anything written on this page.
When is it recommended?
Situations in which a doctor may suggest total hip replacement.
- Hip osteoarthritis limiting daily life
- Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
- Rheumatoid arthritis affecting the hip
- Hip pain after a previous fracture
- Hip pain waking you at night
- Pain not controlled by medication and physiotherapy
Procedure details
The usual sequence, from first consultation through to follow-up.
Assessment
X-rays, blood tests and an anaesthetic review, with weight, diabetes and dental health addressed because they affect infection risk.
Surgery
Under spinal or general anaesthesia, the worn joint is removed and the implant positioned and secured.
Early mobility
You stand and take steps with support within a day or two, which reduces clot risk and starts recovery.
Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy continues on the ward and after discharge, with specific precautions to protect the new joint in the early weeks.
How to prepare
What to sort out before you come in.
- Losing weight before surgery measurably improves recovery and reduces risk
- Dental problems should be treated beforehand, as infection can spread to the implant
- Arrange the home: raised toilet seat, no loose rugs, things within reach
- Stop smoking as far in advance as possible
- Arrange help at home for the first two to three weeks
Recovery
What to expect afterwards, and roughly when.
- Standing and walking with a frame or crutches within a day or two
- Follow the hip precautions given, particularly about bending and crossing legs
- Walking indoors without support usually within four to six weeks
- Avoid driving for about six weeks, or as advised
- Improvement continues for several months after the pain has gone
Why choose Humayun for hip replacement
Two people can have the same implant and very different outcomes, and the difference is preparation and physiotherapy.
- Rehabilitation planned before the operation, so you know what week six looks like before you agree to week one
- Laminar flow theatres, because infection is the complication that undoes a joint replacement
- Physiotherapists in the building from day one rather than an appointment weeks later
- An honest conversation about whether you need it yet, since a replacement done too early is one you may outlive
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