Primary Hip Replacement

Primary Hip ReplacementPrimary Hip Replacement

The hip joint is one of the body’s largest weight-bearing joints, located between the thigh bone (femur) and the pelvis (acetabulum). It is a ball and socket joint in which the head of the femur is the ball and the pelvic acetabulum forms the socket. The joint surface is covered by a smooth articularcartilage which acts as a cushion and enables smooth movements of the joint. When the joint surfaces in the hip are arthritic and have ‘worn out,’ a total hip replacement can help alleviate symptoms of pain and stiffness. An arthritic hip can also cause back problems and lead to secondary arthritis in other joints.

Mr Patel performs cemented and uncemented hip replacement surgery. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. During the procedure a surgical cut is made over the hip to expose the joint and the femur is dislocated from the acetabulum. The surface of the socket is cleaned and the damaged or arthritic bone is removed using a reamer. The acetabular component is inserted into the socket using screws or occasionally bone cement. A liner made of plastic, ceramic or metal is placed inside the acetabular component. The femur or thigh bone is then prepared by removing the arthritic bone using special instruments, to exactly fit the new metal femoral component. The femoral component is then inserted to the femur either by a press fit or using bone cement. Then the femoral head component made of metal or ceramic is placed on the femoral stem. All the new parts are secured in place using special cement. The muscles and tendons around the new joint are repaired and the incision is closed.

This is also combined with enhanced recovery techniques to help reduce post-operative pain and aid early mobilisation. You are advised to avoid combined movement of bending your hip and turning your foot inwards, sitting on low chairs, crossing your legs and bending your hips past a right angle (90°). Using grabbers and an elevated toilet seat can help prevent the new joint from dislocating and to ensure proper healing.

Risks of the procedure include; Infection, bleeding, pain, stiffness, nerve and vessel damage, thrombosis, fat embolism, dislocation, limb length discrepancy, loosening, revision surgery, fracture and anaesthetic risks. The risks of all these complications are very low and you will not be offered a hip replacement unless the benefits outweigh the risks.

Other Hip List