Hip Replacement
In the first instance most hip pain and early degenerative arthritis is best assessed and treated by your general practitioner with simple over the counter medication, and with a structured program of exercise supervised by a physiotherapist or sports and exercise scientist. As an adjunct to this intra-articular injections may be of benefit to you.
If however you have exhausted these treatments, and hip and groin pain from moderate to advanced degeneration is limiting your mobility and affecting your quality of life, your general practitioner may suggest referring you to an orthopaedic surgeon to consider hip replacement surgery.
Hip replacement surgery, also called Total Hip Arthroplasty, involves replacing the damaged or worn-out parts of your hip joint with an artificial implant. The procedure aims to relieve pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life. This procedure can involve total hip arthroplasty or total hip resurfacing in a limited number of cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery, also called hip arthroplasty, involves replacing your damaged hip joint with an artificial implant. The procedure aims to relieve pain, restore function, and improves your ability to perform everyday activities.
When Should You Consider Hip Replacement?
You may be a candidate for hip replacement surgery if:
You experience severe hip or groin pain that limits walking, climbing stairs, or everyday activity. Your pain persists at rest or at night to the point that it stops you sleeping well. Non-surgical treatments (medications, injections, or physical therapy) have failed to provide relief.
Are There Different Kinds of Hip Replacement?
Yes,
Total Hip Replacement in which he entire hip joint is replaced with a prosthetic implant.
Hip Resurfacing in which the native femoral neck is preserved and a large head resurfacing impant 'resurfaces' the native joint.
Hemiarthroplasty, in which only the femoral side of the joint is replaced, this is done primarily to treat fractured neck of femur in low demand elderly patients.
Revision Hip Replacement: Performed to repair or replace an existing implant that has worn out or failed.
What Should I Expect Before, During, and After Surgery?
This will be discussed in detail prior to you surgery, but as a general overview;
Before Surgery
Preoperative Evaluation: Comprehensive tests (X-rays, CT scan, blood work) to confirm surgery is right for you, to plan the surgery, and to minimise risks.
Preparation: You may need to adjust medications, avoid certain foods, and prepare your home for post-surgery recovery.
During Surgery
The procedure is typically performed under general or spinal anesthesia and takes about 1–2 hours.
Damaged bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with the prosthetic joint.
After Surgery
Hospital Stay: Most patients stay 1–3 days in the hospital.
Rehabilitation: Physical therapy begins immediately to regain strength and mobility.
Full Recovery: Most people return to normal activities within 6-12 weeks, although further improvement may continue over 12 - 24 months post surgery.
When can I return to work?
This depends on the type of work you do. Desk jobs may be resumed within 4 to 6 weeks, while more physically demanding jobs may require 3 months or more.
Can I play sport after hip replacement?
Yes, many patients are able to return to physical activity after a hip replacement, although it depends on the type of activity, your level of activity prior to surgery, your overall health, and the progress of your recovery. Hip replacement surgery aims to restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life, enabling you to lead an active lifestyle. However, a hip replacement is not a 'normal' hip joint and will be unlikely to allow you to perform high demand activities. Things that can be expected to be possible after hip replacement include gym work/classes, golf, social level tennis, walking, and gentle skiing if done as a life long activity. It would be unreasonable to expect a return to running, contact sports, or high level competitive sport post hip replacement.
Do you perform robotic assisted hip replacement?
Yes, like many other surgeons who work both publicly and privately in Brisbane and Queensland more broadly, when appropriate we perform robotic-assisted surgery. We are happy to discuss whether robotic surgery is appropriate for you. It is important to note that at this point there is limited evidence that robotic surgery has significant benefit over non robotic alternatives.
Risks and Considerations
While hip replacement is an effective procedure, it associated with significant potential risks which include but are not limited to:
Persistent pain
Infection.
Blood clots
Implant loosening or wear over time.
Your surgeon will discuss these risks and take steps to minimise them.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical, surgical, or legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, it does not substitute professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment.
Individual health conditions vary, and you should seek the advice of a qualified medical professional before making any healthcare decisions.
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