When is hip replacement surgery required?

Written in association with: Mr Amit Shah
Published:
Edited by: Conor Lynch

In this article, highly distinguished and experienced consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, Mr Amit Shah, details the various different types of hip replacement procedures, and outlines some of the main risks and complications associated with the surgery.

When is hip replacement surgery required?

Hip replacement surgery is only recommended in cases where patients have advanced arthritis or degenerative changes in their hip joint. We only suggest hip replacement surgery when we know that all other treatment options have failed.

 

Why do people undergo hip replacement surgery?

The most common condition that leads to hip replacement surgery is osteoarthritis. The other reasons why people undergo a hip replacement are due to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and the loss of cartilage. Patients come to me seeking hip replacement surgery when the pain simply becomes unbearable as a result of having one of more of the abovementioned conditions.

 

What are the different types of hip replacement procedures?

They can vary in many ways. Firstly, in terms of the approach taken, it can be performed through either the posterior, anterior, or the lateral approach. The posterior approach is not only the most common, but also the safest way to carry out a hip replacement procedure, as we can see the hip properly. Cemented or uncemented hip replacements can be carried out using a variety of implant materials, such as titanium and metal.

 

What is involved in the recovery process?

There are some precautions that patients need to take in the immediate post-operative period so the ligaments, muscles, and tendons can recover. Most of my patients are able to walk with two crutches within 12 hours of the surgery. I advise them to use two crutches for a period of between four to six weeks, after which they can return to normal activities such as driving and swimming.

 

What are the risks and complications associated with a hip replacement?

Common risks include infection, clots in legs and lungs, instability, and dislocations. Every patient is always advised to discuss their own individual potential risks.

 

If you wish to book an appointment with Mr Amit Shah today, head on over to his Top Doctors profile to do just that.

By Mr Amit Shah
Orthopaedic surgery

Mr Amit Shah is a consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon with over 15 years of professional expertise. As a subspecialist in hip and knee conditions, he assists patients with the diagnosis and management of all hip and knee pathologies, including hip arthritis, knee arthritis, unstable joints and sports injuries of the hip and knee. 

Furthermore, Mr Shah is highly trained and skilled in numerous non-invasive and invasive procedures. He regularly performs knee injections, hip injections, various forms of joint replacement for the knee and hips, and minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery along with other treatments.

Since 2003, Mr Shah has been based in the North West of England, where he continued his medical and surgical training after studying in Mumbai. In England, his training included working at Wrightington Hospital, one of the centres for excellence in orthopaedics, in which he furthered his specialist expertise on complex hip and knee problems.

He dedicates his medical services to both the private and public health sectors. Private patients can access his professional and personalised care at the Spire Fylde Coast Hospital in Blackpool as well as at BMI The Lancaster Hospital, Euxton Hall Hospital and BMI The Beardwood Hospital.

Mr Shah's objective is to provide an ethical and sensible consult in the beginning, followed by comprehensive understandings of management options. By doing so, he ensures his patients are fully informed about their condition and treatment at all times.

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