Hip Replacement

 

 

Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure for replacing the hip joint. This joint is made up of two parts, the hip socket (acetabulum, a cup shaped bone in the pelvis) and the “ball” or head of the thigh bone (femur). During the surgical procedure, these two parts are removed and replaced with smooth artificial surfaces. These artificial pieces are implanted into healthy portions of the pelvis and thigh bone. The total hip replacement operation is designed to relieve pain, reduce stiffness and improve your ability to walk.

 

Hip resurfacing

Like a total hip replacement hip resurfacing is designed to resurface the worn areas of the hip, it is less invasive than a total hip replacement. A metal shell is placed over the existing ball on the femur and a further metal shell fitted into the hip socket.

Hip resurfacing is only available if you have sufficient healthy bone to be resurfaced The total hip replacement or hip resurfacing is an elective operation, which means it is not a matter of life or death.

The decision to have the operation is a shared decision made by yourself and the orthopaedic consultant. You must however accept the risks and possible complications that may occur.

The doctor may recommend the operation; however, your decision must be based upon weighing the benefits of the operation against the risks. The decision to have surgery should be made following discussions with your family, general practitioner and orthopaedic consultant.

The real success of your hip replacement, however, depends partly on you, especially your motivation, exercise and knowing your limitations for a specified period of time after the surgery.