What is Hip Replacement?
A hip replacement is a common type of surgery where a damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial one.
The hips
The hip joint is one of the largest joints in the human body and is what is known as a ‘ball and socket joint’.
In a healthy hip joint, the bones are connected to each other with bands of tissue known as ligaments. These ligaments are lubricated with fluid to reduce friction.
Joints are also surrounded by a type of tissue called cartilage that is designed to help support the joints and prevent bones from rubbing against each other.
The main purpose of the hip joints is to support the upper body when a person is standing, walking and running, and to help with certain movements, such as bending and stretching.
Why do I need a hip replacement?
It might be necessary for you to have a hip replacement if one (or both) of your hip joints becomes damaged and causes you persistent pain or problems with everyday activities such as walking, driving and getting dressed.
Some common reasons why a hip joint can become damaged include:
- osteoarthritis – so-called ‘wear and tear arthritis’, where the cartilage inside a hip joint becomes worn away, leading to the bones rubbing against each other
- rheumatoid arthritis – this is caused by the immune system (the body’s defence against infection) mistakenly attacking the lining of the joint, resulting in pain and stiffness
- hip fracture – if a hip joint becomes severely damaged during a fall or similar accident it may be necessary to replace it
Many of the conditions treated with a hip replacement are age-related so hip replacements are usually carried out in older adults aged between 60 and 80.
The purpose of a new hip joint is to:
- relieve pain
- improve the function of your hip
- improve your ability to move around
- improve your quality of life
What happens during hip replacement surgery?
A hip replacement will be carried out under a general anaesthetic (where you are asleep during the procedure).
The surgeon makes an incision into the hip, removes the damaged hip joint and then replaces it with an artificial joint that is a metal alloy or, in some cases, ceramic.
The surgery usually takes around 60-90 minutes to complete.
Recovering from hip replacement surgery
For the first four to six weeks after the operation you will need a walking aid, such as crutches, to help support you.
You will also be enrolled on an exercise programme that is designed to help you regain and then improve the use of your new hip joint.
Most people are able to resume normal activities within two to three months.
What to expect after a hip replacement
Since its introduction in the 1960s, hip replacement surgery has proved to be one of the most effective types of surgery in modern medical history. Most people experience a significant reduction in pain and, to a lesser extent, improvement in their range of movement.
However, it is important to have realistic expectations about what the operation can achieve. For example, you should be able to ride a bike but it is unlikely that you would be able to play a game of rugby safely (although, as with most things, there are always exceptions to this rule).
The rehabilitation process after surgery can be a demanding time and requires commitment.
Risks of hip replacement surgery
A modern artificial hip joint is designed to last for at least 15 to 20 years.
The risk of serious complications such as blood clots and infection at the site of the surgery is low – estimated to be less than 1 in a 100.
Alternatives
There is an alternative type of surgery to hip replacement, known as hip resurfacing. This involves removing the damaged surfaces of the bones inside the hip joint and replacing them with a metal surface.
An advantage to this approach is that it is less invasive and leaves you with a greater range of movement after surgery. However, it is usually only effective in younger adults who have relatively strong bones.
Future developments
Hip replacement surgery is being improved in several ways:
- New, stronger materials for prosthetics are being developed that will allow longer wear and better joint mobility.
- Enhancements are being made to new ‘cementless’ implants. Patients can be recommended for newer types of joints, such as ceramic-on-ceramic and ceramic-on-plastic.
Which Hip Specialist will be seeing me?
Dr Tan Chin Yik, Orthopaedic Specialist
