Your all-you-need-to-know guide on hip replacement surgery

Written by: Mr Muhammad Adeel Akhtar
Published:
Edited by: Conor Lynch

In this article below, Mr Muhammad Adeel Akhtar, a highly experienced consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon, tells us how hip replacement surgery is typically performed, and how long hip replacements generally tend to last for.

What does hip replacement surgery involve?

Hip replacement surgery involves replacing the ball and socket part of the hip joint. A metal implant (stem) is inserted in the thigh bone and another metal and plastic implant (cup) is inserted in the pelvic bone after preparation. A metal head moves in the plastic cup, relieving pain and improving function.

 

How long does a hip replacement last?

It depends on how patients use it. On average, it can last around 15 years. However, the main purpose of total hip replacement surgery is for patients to be pain-free and to be active and enjoy their life. Very few patients need revision surgery if the artificial hip joint also wears out. This can be replaced again if necessary. 

 

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

Every operation has certain risks associated with it. Common risks associated with hip replacement surgery are infection, nerve and vessel injury, fracture, dislocation, as well as limp and leg length discrepancy. However, with careful planning and execution, these risks can be minimised. 

 

What is the recovery time for hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful operations. Most patients are able to walk on the same day after their surgery and able to go home within the first few days. Patients are generally able to walk independently within the first four to six weeks

 

How does hip replacement surgery affect activity and mobility?

Hip replacement surgery improves activity and mobility. Patients are able to walk independently and return to their hobbies and activities of daily living as their pain from hip arthritis disappears. 

 

To schedule in an appointment with Mr Muhammad Adeel Akhtar, visit his Top Doctors profile today.

By Mr Muhammad Adeel Akhtar
Orthopaedic surgery

Mr Muhammad Adeel Akhtar is a leading Edinburgh-based consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon. Mr Akhtar is highly experienced in a wide range of orthopaedic procedures, such as knee replacement surgery, knee meniscal tear surgery, knee arthritis treatmentsports injuries management, hip arthritis treatment and hip replacement surgery.
 
Mr Akhtar has shown his dedication to lifelong education throughout his career, continuously training and improving his skills. He first received his Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery from the University of the Punjab in Pakistan, before going on to complete extensive training in the UK. He received his MRCSEd from the Royal College of Surgeons in 2006, and an MD from the University of Edinburgh in 2015. He completed his basic surgical training in Yorkshire and his specialty training in trauma and orthopaedics at the Northern Deanery. Mr Akhtar has also completed several prestigious fellowships, for example, his fellowship on “Lower Limb Arthroscopy, Arthroplasty and Osseointegration” in Sydney. He has been trained in biological therapies from the Academy of Regenerative Medicine, and has received a postgraduate diploma in Computer Assisted Orthopaedic Surgery from the Golden Jubilee Hospital in Glasgow.
 
Currently, Mr Akhtar practices at the Spire Murrayfield Hospital in Edinburgh, and Kings Park Hospital in Stirling. He is also a consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon for the NHS. At his practice, Mr Akhtar treats all types of knee and hip injuries and conditions, with a focus on knee and hip replacement surgery. He also specialises in sports medicine, having successfully completed the Diploma in Sports and Exercise Medicine from the Royal College of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland and is a member of the Faculty of Sports and Exercise Medicine UK
 
In addition to his clinical work, Mr Akhtar is a dedicated medical educator. He is an honorary senior lecturer at the School of Medicine of the University of St Andrews, University of Edinburgh and a tutor at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh. He has also extensively published in medical literature, in different peer-reviewed scientific journals and is currently undertaking a prestigious research fellowship funded by the Chief Scientist Office Scotland on the role of digital health in managing patients with end stage lower limb arthritis.  

View Profile

Overall assessment of their patients


  • Related procedures
  • Platelet-rich plasma
    Ozone therapy
    Botulinum toxin (Botox™)
    Abnormal gait
    Elbow
    Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
    Elbow Pain
    Nerve Compression elbow
    Median nerve compression
    Radial nerve compression
    This website uses our own and third-party Cookies to compile information with the aim of improving our services, to show you advertising related to your preferences as well analysing your browsing habits. You can change your settings HERE.