What are the risks associated with a total hip replacement?

In this article below, distinguished consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Simon Buckley, details how a hip replacement is performed, and what recovery from the operation entails for patients.

What is a total hip replacement?

A total hip replacement is an operation to replace the worn hip joint. The joint has two parts: the hip socket (acetabulum) and the ball/head of the thigh bone (femur). During the operation, these two parts of your hip joint are removed and replaced with smooth artificial surfaces.

What are the benefits of a total hip replacement?

A total hip replacement operation is usually carried out for arthritic conditions and has proven to be a very successful procedure. The benefits are:

• approximately 95 per cent of patients gain complete pain relief
• increased range of movement
• increased activity and independence
• more than 95 per cent of hip replacements last for more than 10 years and more than 80 per cent last 20 years

What are the alternatives to hip replacement surgery?

Before considering hip replacement surgery, your doctor may have suggested trying other measures to help relieve your symptoms. These should include:

• weight loss - if you are overweight, losing weight will help to reduce pain from an arthritic joint
• drug treatments, such as simple or strong painkillers
• physiotherapy and exercises
• appliances to help you to walk more easily, such as a walking stick

What are the risks associated with a total hip replacement?

A total hip replacement is a major operation, and as with any operation, there are some risks. These include:

• blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) and in the lungs (pulmonary embolus)
• urinary infections
• difficulty passing urine
• chest infection

Complications specific to a total hip replacement include:

• infection
• dislocation
• leg length discrepancy
• nerve damage
• loosening and wear of the new joint with time
• wound problems
• bleeding

How is a hip replacement performed?

Almost all hip replacements are performed under a spinal anaesthetic with sedation. This means that you won’t know anything about the procedure, but will recover quickly, being able to mobilise almost immediately.

The surgery requires a cut over the side of the hip. I would recommend this is closed with dissolving sutures which do not require removal later. The whole procedure will take around two hours. It is very important to get moving as quickly as possible and the vast majority of patients can be discharged either on the day of surgery or the next day.

What is recovery time like?

You will be encouraged to mobilise as soon as possible after the surgery. This will be possible on the day of surgery. Exercise and physiotherapy are vital and important parts of your rehabilitation as it helps to ensure that you regain a good range of movement and strength in your hip.

To schedule in an appointment with Mr Simon Buckley, visit his Top Doctors profile today.