Total Hip Replacement Surgery

When non-surgical treatment for your hip arthritis is no longer effective, I will discuss with you the role of a total hip replacement. The decision to proceed with surgery will be made collaboratively, between you, your family/whānau, primary care doctor, and myself.

Total hip replacement surgery involves removing the damaged bone and cartilage and replacing it with prosthetic components.

The damaged socket (acetabulum) will be prepared to receive a metal socket. The damaged ball (femoral head) will be removed, and a metal stem will be placed into the thigh bone (femur). A ceramic ball and liner will be inserted on to the stem and socket, forming the artificial joint. In some instances, I may use bone cement to help fix the prosthesis on to your bone, depending on your age, bone quality, and indication for surgery.

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Expectations

Significant improvements in pain and function can be expected following surgery.

Realistic activities following total hip replacement include unlimited walking, swimming, golf, driving, biking, and other low-impact sports.

Your hip replacement is at risk of dislocations (when the ball comes out of the socket). The dislocation risk is highest in the first few months after surgery, but there always exists a small risk of dislocation in your lifetime. Therefore, I would expect you to refrain from any activities which puts your hip at risk of dislocation (activities requiring extreme bending/rotation of the hip, such as yoga, deep squats).