What Is Total Hip Replacement?
Total hip replacement (THR) is a surgical procedure to replace the damaged or worn out hip joint with an artificial implant. The operation is also known as hip arthroplasty. It can be performed on patients of any age, but is most commonly carried out on older adults.
Hip replacement surgery
There are two main types of hip replacement surgery: partial hip replacement and total hip replacement.
Partial hip replacement (also called hemiarthroplasty) involves replacing the damaged portion of the hip joint with an artificial implant. This is usually only recommended for patients with less severe hip damage
Total hip replacement (THR) is the most common type of hip replacement surgery. It involves replacing the entire hip joint with artificial components. This includes the femoral head (the round ball at the top of the thigh bone), the acetabulum (the socket in the pelvis), and the surrounding tissues
The surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia. During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision over the hip joint and removes the damaged bone and cartilage. The new artificial joint is then inserted and secured in place with special screws or cement.
Your surgeon will discuss the different types of hip replacement with you and recommend the best option for your individual case.
Implants used in Total hip replacement
The three most common types of implants used in THR are metal on metal, ceramic on ceramic, and polyethylene (plastic) on metal. Metal on metal bearings were once the most common type of implant used, but their use has declined in recent years due to concerns about their long-term safety.
Ceramic on ceramic bearings are made of two ceramic balls (one fitted into the socket and one onto the femoral stem) that slide against each other. These bearings are very smooth, which reduces wear and the risk of dislocation. However, they can break, so they are not always suitable for larger patients or those with a high risk of fracture.
Polyethylene (plastic) on metal bearings are made of a metal ball fitted onto the femoral stem, with a plastic socket liner. The plastic liner slides against the metal surface of the ball, providing a smooth, low-friction surface. These implants are very durable and have a low risk of dislocation. However, the plastic liner can wear down over time, causing pain and the need for revision surgery.
Your surgeon will discuss the different types of implant with you and recommend the best option for your individual case.
Most people who have THR experience a significant reduction in pain and an improvement in hip function. The majority of patients are able to walk without assistance within a few days of surgery, and many are able to return to all their usual activities within 6-8 weeks.
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Indications for Total hip replacement
The most common indication for THR is osteoarthritis of the hip. This is a condition that causes the cartilage in the hip joint to break down, leading to pain and stiffness
Other indications for THR include rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply), and hip fractures
Total hip replacement is a major operation, and should only be considered when all other treatment options have failed. If you are considering THR, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with your doctor. They will be able to advise you on whether the procedure is suitable for you.
Advantages of Total Hip Replacement
THR is a very successful operation, with over 90% of patients reporting good to excellent results. The main advantage of THR is the significant improvement it can provide in quality of life. It relieves pain and restores hip function, allowing most patients to return to all their usual activities.
THR is a very successful operation, with a high success rate and low complication rate. The majority of patients report good to excellent results, and the surgery is usually considered when all other treatment options have failed
If you are considering THR , you should discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with your doctor. They will be able to advise you on whether the procedure is suitable for your individual case.
Risk involved in THR
The main complications of THR are dislocation of the artificial hip joint, infection, and wear of the artificial components. These complications are relatively rare, occurring in less than 5% of cases.
Other risks include blood clots, which can form in the leg veins and may travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), and nerve damage.
Piece of advice on Total hip replacement by Orthopaedic surgeon
If you are considering THR, you should discuss the risks and benefits of the surgery with your doctor. They will be able to advise you on whether the procedure is suitable for you.
You should also make sure that you are comfortable with the surgeon who will be performing the operation, and that they have experience in carrying out this type of surgeryIt is important to remember that THR is a major operation, and should only be considered when all other treatment options have failed.
The decision to have surgery should only be made after careful consideration and discussion with your doctor.
