What are the benefits of a hip replacement?

The greatest benefit is the substantial relief from chronic pain, followed by increased mobility and function. Repairing damage caused to the hip joint means you can quickly resume your everyday tasks and activities, such as walking, bike-riding and swimming – with significantly less pain. In turn, this increased level of physical exertion will have secondary long-term health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes. Opting to have hip replacement surgery can feel like a big decision, but the outcomes can greatly improve your quality of life.

How do I know if it’s right for me?

If you are suffering from significant pain which prevents you completing your everyday tasks, this is a sign that you are likely to benefit from a hip replacement. Although it is a procedure traditionally associated with older patients, it can be the appropriate course of action for anyone who is suffering from: Recurring hip and knee pain, especially when walking or during exercise, Difficulty getting up or down stairs, Disturbed sleep caused by pain from hip movement, Limited relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, or other therapies.

What complications can happen after hip replacement surgery?

Any surgical procedure carries an element of complication. Your surgeon and orthopaedic care team will conduct a full assessment prior to any surgery to determine your individual level of risk, and any appropriate action that may be required will be discussed with you at your consultation.

How soon will I recover after hip replacement surgery?

The recovery time looks different for everybody and will depend on your health coming into the procedure. Patients are often up and about walking very soon after surgery. Most patients spend 3-4 days in hospital to recover, before heading either back home or onwards to rehabilitation. Within 4-6 weeks you are likely to feel much stronger and able to resume light activities. After 3 months you will probably be able to get around without much support and be able to return to exercise and low-impact sport. The road to full recovery is much quicker if you maintain strength and flexibility along the way. Regular walking is one of the best ways to help achieve this.

What is a hip replacement?

Hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful and life changing medical procedures available today. Sometimes referred to as a total hip replacement, or hip arthroplasty, the natural hip joint is replaced with artificial parts that can quickly help reduce pain and return you to everyday activities. The hip joint is the largest weight bearing part of the body and works just like a ball and socket. Over time, or through common conditions like arthritis or injury, the cartilage and bone can become damaged causing severe pain and discomfort. Hip replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to relieve painful hip conditions, improve mobility and restore normal function. Each patient is considered on an individual basis and our orthopaedic hip specialists are on hand to advise on the most appropriate treatment.

How should I prepare?

Because your movement will be limited after surgery, you may need some help with tasks such as bathing, the laundry and groceries. It might help to have safety bars or handrails installed in your shower or bath, with a raised toilet seat. Your allied health staff will help check your individual situation while in hospital. It’s a good idea to place everyday items at waist level, so that when you get home you won’t have to bend down or reach up high. Work out where you will spend most of your recovery time and ensure that everything you are likely to need such as a telephone, TV control or medicines is close at hand.

Revision Hip Replacement I Orthopaedics I St Vincent’s Private Hospitals

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What is a revision hip replacement?

Total hip replacement surgery aims to allow patients to live full, active lives without significant pain. Over time, it is possible that some parts of the hip replacement may fail. If this happens, your doctor may recommend revision surgery as a way to replace any necessary parts.

The procedure involves removing the old parts of the hip replacement that are no longer working and replacing them with new ones. This is a complex procedure that depends on the extent of the replacements required. The surgeon will examine which implants need replacing, and in certain circumstances, additional metal pieces or bone grafts can be used to prepare the joint for specialised revision implants.

During surgery, your surgeon will examine which implants need replacing. In certain circumstances, additional metal pieces or bone grafts can be used to prepare the joint for specialised revision implants.

Recovery from this operation is generally slower as it is a longer and more involved procedure, but the long-term outcomes include reduced pain, greater mobility and restored function.

Is it right for me?

If you are starting to experience familiar hip aches and pain, and your range of motion becomes limited it could be a sign that your hip replacement is in need of revision surgery. The lifespan of your hip replacement is difficult to estimate as there are many factors involved. It would be reasonable to expect at least 15-20 years. If you had hip replacement surgery as a younger, more active person, it is quite likely that you will outlive your implants and at some point, they will need replacing.

Other reasons for revision surgery include loosening (where the implant has come away from the bone), infection, recurrent dislocation, fracture or metal allergy – a reaction caused by tiny particles breaking away from the implant. Patients with pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or obesity are also more likely to experience complications from surgery and require revision treatment. Sometimes, the symptoms may only be mild. Your surgeon will use imaging to help determine if and when the procedure is necessary.

Preparation

Before undergoing the procedure, your doctor will undergo a thorough medical evaluation to ensure you're healthy enough for surgery and anaesthesia. Some medications may need adjustments or temporary discontinuation prior to surgery.

Follow up

Postoperative care often includes physical therapy to aid in recovery and improve mobility, pain management medications, and possibly blood thinners to prevent clot formation. Regular follow-up appointments with your orthopaedic surgeon are crucial to monitor the healing process and ensure the implant is functioning as intended.

Hip replacement approaches

Other hip surgeries

A revision hip replacement is a procedure performed when a previous hip replacement has failed or worn out. This surgery involves the removal of some or all of the parts of the original prosthesis and replacing them with new ones. Revision hip replacement is a more complex procedure than the initial hip replacement due to factors like bone loss, scar tissue and the altered anatomy from the first surgery. Our expert orthopaedic surgeons are skilled in these complex procedures, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Signs that may indicate the need for a revision hip replacement include increased pain or stiffness in the hip, swelling, instability, or a feeling that the joint might "give out." These symptoms can be due to various reasons such as wear and tear of the prosthesis, loosening of the implant, infection, or dislocation of the hip joint. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with your orthopaedic surgeon for a thorough evaluation.

The longevity of a revision hip replacement can vary, but with advancements in surgical techniques and prosthetic materials, many patients can expect their revision hip replacement to last 10 to 15 years or more. The duration depends on several factors, including the patient's age, activity level and the type of prosthesis used.

The duration of a hip revision surgery can vary significantly depending on the complexity of the case. Typically, a revision hip replacement can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. Our surgical teams are equipped to handle the intricacies of these procedures, ensuring precision and care throughout the surgery.

How much will my hip surgery cost?

Understanding the cost of your treatment is an important consideration before committing to surgery, but it’s not always easy to find the information you need. Learn more about the factors which contribute to the cost of your surgery:

Treatment Costs – Revision Hip Replacement

What will my treatment and recovery look like?

Familiarising yourself with your treatment program and understanding the recovery process are important steps to take on the pathway to surgery.