Total Hip Replacement
Also called Arthroplasty – Hip Joint replacement is considered when other treatments have not relieved the pain and disability. The aim of the surgery is to relieve the pain and restore useful hip movement. **
Under normal conditions, most people could expect their hip prosthesis to last about 15 to 20 years. Sometimes a second procedure may be needed when the first one wears out.
Revision Hip Replacement
Sometimes Revision surgery is required when a prosthesis wears out or there are other unforeseen complications.
Revision surgery is more complex that a primary total hip replacement.
In the instance of revision surgery – meticulous planning and specialised tools are required so patients need to have pre-operative investigations such as xrays and CT scans.
Then depending on the amount of revision required, a plan will be formed by your Doctor to perform the surgery.
Your Doctor will discuss all the relevant risks and expected outcomes with you including non-surgical treatments and outcomes.
After both Hip and Revision Hip surgery – physiotherapy is required to enhance your recovery and ensure your mobility and stability outcomes are maximised as early and as possible.
There are two types of hip surgery – Anterior Hip Replacement or Posterior Hip Replacement.
Depending on your circumstances and anatomy your Doctor may recommend a particular approach for your hip replacement. You can discuss with your Doctor the best approach for your best outcome.
Hip surgery is performed under anaesthesia.
A hip replacement consists of repairing both the socket and the ball of the hip joint.
Both of these parts are removed and replaced with a prosthesis.
The surgery is designed to be minimally invasive as possible and also with the intention of having the patient commencing supervised walking exercises the next day.
** Image supplied Health Direct.gov.au