Total Hip Replacement

This page will give you information about a total hip replacement at New Victoria Hospital. If you have any questions, you should ask your GP or other relevant health professional.

Are There Any Alternatives to Hip Surgery?

Simple painkillers such as paracetamol and anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen can help control the pain. Supplements to your diet may also help relieve your symptoms. Check with your doctor before you take supplements.

Using a walking stick can make walking easier, as can a small shoe-raise.

Regular moderate exercise can help to reduce stiffness.

A steroid injection into your hip joint can sometimes reduce pain and stiffness.

All these measures become less effective if your arthritis gets worse.

The Procedure

What Does the Hip Replacement Operation Involve?

Various anaesthetic techniques are possible. The operation usually takes an hour to 90 minutes.

Your orthopaedic surgeon will make a cut on the side of your hip and remove the damaged ball and socket. They will insert an artificial joint made of metal, plastic, ceramic, or a combination of these materials (see figure 1).

The implant is fixed onto the bone using acrylic cement or special coatings that bond directly to the bone.

What Complications Can Happen When Having Hip Replacement Surgery?

General Complications

Pain
Bleeding
Infection of the surgical site (wound)
Unsightly scarring
Blood clots
Difficulty passing urine
Chest infection
Heart attack
Stroke

Specific Complications

Split in the femur
Damage to nerves
Damage to blood vessels
Infection in your hip
Loosening
Bone forming in muscles around your hip replacement
Dislocation
Leg length difference

Following Surgery

How Soon Will I Recover?

You should be able to go home after three to seven days.

You will need to use crutches or walking sticks for a few weeks.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

Most people make a good recovery, have less pain, and can move about better. An artificial hip never feels quite the same as a normal hip and it is important to look after it in the long term.

A hip replacement can wear out with time.

Acknowledgements

Author: Mr Stephen Milner DM FRCS (Tr. & Orth.)

The operation and treatment information on this website is published under license by New Victoria Hospital from EIDO Healthcare UK and is protected by copyright laws. Other than for your personal, non-commercial use, you may not copy, print out, download or otherwise reproduce any of the information. The information should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.