Hip replacement surgery is widely available in Melbourne with the option of four outstanding St Vincent Private Hospitals on offer. Whether it’s East Melbourne, Kew, Fitzroy or Werribee, each hospital offers state-of-the-art operating facilities, alongside a highly experienced team of clinical specialists all dedicated to your care and recovery. Leading the way with the latest in technological innovations, our world-class surgeons are committed to delivering medical excellence in the Melbourne area and improving the patient experience at every stage.

Total hip replacement surgery

Total hip replacement surgery is considered one of the most successful in modern medicine and with numerous St Vincent’s orthopaedic surgeons operating in Melbourne alone, it is now one of the most performed surgeries across Australia. The hip is one of the body’s largest weight-bearing joints and works just like a ball and socket. Over time it can become vulnerable to injury or disease such as osteoarthritis and as we age, the protective cartilage around our hip joint gradually wears away leaving the bones exposed. When the bones rub up against each other it causes intense pain, swelling, stiffness and discomfort. Living with arthritic hip pain can severely impact your quality of life and interfere with your normal daily activities. Hip replacement surgery is a highly effective way to significantly reduce recurrent hip pain, as well as restore mobility and function. This procedure can be performed at all ages.

There are a number of conditions that can cause hip pain and your doctor will perform a series of tests to identify the cause of the problem. From here you can discuss possible treatment options that may include:

Partial knee replacement

Total hip replacement surgery is a comprehensive approach to addressing hip joint injuries or diseases involving both parts of the joint. In contrast, a partial hip replacement is suitable for individuals who have sustained an injury specifically to the ball-shaped femoral head of the thigh bone (femur), while the socket area of the hip remains unaffected. This surgical procedure involves the removal of the damaged femoral ball and its replacement with an artificial component. It is commonly employed to treat hip fractures but is generally not recommended for managing hip arthritis. 

One of the advantages of partial hip replacement is its potential for a minimally invasive approach. This means the surgery requires less time, results in reduced postoperative pain, and leads to a quicker recovery period compared to traditional methods.