Hip Replacement Surgery

When is it recommended?

Surgery is offered when you have a condition that is affecting your everyday activities due to pain or stiffness, as well as your ability to sleep and where other treatments have failed to improve your symptoms.

What does surgery involve?

During surgery, which is normally carried out under a regional anaesthetic, the surgeon removes the damaged ball of the hip joint and removes the cartilage from the socket. Both the ball and socket are replaced with prosthetic (artificial) parts which allow the joint to move smoothly without pain. These are held in place with or without bone cement. Your surgeon will be able to recommend the best type of replacement joint for your condition.

What are the risks of surgery?

Complications following hip replacement surgery are rare. However, they can include:

• Infection: The chance of infection is less than 1% and can usually be treated effectively with antibiotics. Usually only the skin is affected, but if bacteria get into the hip itself then it may be necessary to have a further operation to wash it out with saline solution and give stronger antibiotics via a drip. On very rare occasions it may be necessary to remove the hip replacement completely to allow the bacteria to be treated. It is then re-replaced, either during the same operation or after an interval of 4-6 weeks. Treatment of infected hip replacements is highly specialised
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): The risk of this is less than 1% and is unusual if you move around as much as possible after surgery. You will be given blood thinning injections to reduce this risk and you will be advised to wear compression stockings for up to 4 weeks after surgery. Symptoms of DVT include pain, swelling, warmth and redness of the calf (however, thigh and knee swelling are normal after hip replacement surgery)
• Swelling: Swelling and bruising around the hip joint and in the thigh and knee is common after hip replacement surgery. The swelling may feel tight and a little uncomfortable. It is not uncommon for the limb to remain slightly swollen for at least 6months.
• Stiffness: Most people experience some stiffness initially after the operation, but this will improve with exercise and physiotherapy
• Nerve damage: Small nerves that supply sensation to the skin near the operation site can be damaged leading to scar numbness. Injury to the major nerves supplying the muscles of the leg is a very serious complication but fortunately extremely rare (less than 0.2%)
• Unequal leg length: Although the surgeon will try to ensure that your leg length is the same, sometimes surgery can result in slight inequality which may require orthotics to ensure your walking is not affected.
• Wear and loosening: Modern hip replacements are expected to last at least twenty years. However, over time the artificial hip may wear or loosen and if this happens, a further procedure to change the implants (revision surgery) may be necessary. However, that huge advances in the field of revision hip surgery mean that in most cases the outcome is excellent
• Dislocation: This is rare, occurring in around 1% of cases. Once treated, it seldom recurs
• Fracture: This is rare, occurring in around 1% of cases. This will be noticed intraoperatively and treated appropriately. Rarely small fractures are picked up on the post op X-ray, which is routinely performed the next day after surgery, generally these are treated with reducing the amount of weight you are allowed to put through your operated leg.

How long does it take to recover?

You’ll be in hospital for 1-4 nights and will be shown how to walk using crutches (which you may need to use for up to six weeks).

Swelling: It’s normal for the whole leg to swell after a hip replacement, and to be at its most swollen around a week after surgery. Slight swelling can persist for as long as 6months after surgery but this is not really noticeable after the first 1-2months.

Bruising: It’s also normal to have bruising in the buttock and occasionally at the back of your knee.

Rehabilitation/exercises: You’ll be helped to walk with the physiotherapists once returned from theatre and we are satisfied that its safe to do so.  You will also be given hip exercises to stop the hip becoming too stiff, and to enable you to put on shoes and socks.  After surgery, you will be given a rehabilitation programme of gentle exercises to build up your strength and range of movement and in most cases you should be able to return to light everyday activities within three to six weeks. Two walks a day of increasing distance are essential. Use of an exercise bike from two weeks onwards is encouraged.

How long will I need to have off work?

Depending on the kind of work you do, you may need up to six weeks off work. However, you will be advised about this as everyone is different and your rate of recovery may be different from other people’s. We normally recommend that you don’t work at all for the first two weeks, gradually returning to normal after four to six weeks (if your job mainly involves sitting down). Commuting during rush hour is not recommended for at least six weeks after hip replacement surgery. Manual workers may need up to three months to return to normal.

When can I start to drive again?

The DVLA states that it’s the responsibility of the driver to ensure they are always in control of the vehicle. A good guide is if you are confident walking without crutches and can get into your car without help, which is usually around six weeks after surgery. Vehicle insurance companies also usually suggest a six-week period off driving, although you should always check with your car insurance company first.

Will having surgery limit my sporting activities?

It’s important to discuss any concerns you may have with your specialist and to have realistic expectations about what is possible with this procedure. In most cases, people who have total hip replacement surgery have dramatically reduced levels of pain and increased ability to carry out everyday tasks. However, you may be advised to avoid sports that put particular stress on the joint such as running, jumping and high impact sports. Sports that are less likely to cause problems include tennis, swimming, golf, cycling and other low impact activities.

Your hip replacement should continue to improve for up to a year after surgery, and sometimes longer for younger patients.

Will I need physiotherapy?

In most cases, you’ll be advised to take two walks each day, gradually increasing your distance as your strength and confidence returns. Most people can bear weight on their leg soon after the operation and should be able to walk confidently without crutches within six weeks.

You will also be advised to arrange to see a physiotherapist so that you can begin to follow a rehabilitation programme that will help you return to fitness as soon as possible.

Will the metal in my hip set off a metal detector?

Hip replacements may set off airport security detectors but in most cases, you won’t need to go into great detail about your surgery with the security staff; many people have had some type of surgery involving a metal device and a brief explanation should be enough.

How can I avoid damage to my replacement hip?

Looking after your replacement hip will help protect and extend its life. You can do this by:

• Exercise: to maintain mobility and build strength, also keeping your weight down will increase the life of your hip
• Avoiding falls: as breaking a bone in your leg may involve further surgery
• If you need a dental procedure: let your dentist know as you may need to take antibiotics before your treatment to avoid any infection that might affect your hip replacement

Here are some examples of Hip Replacement Surgery X-Rays:

Arthritic hip in a 40y Female: replaced with an Uncemented femoral stem and acetabular component

Arthritic hip in a 40y Female: replaced with an Uncemented femoral stem and acetabular component

An example of a cemented femoral stem with an uncemented acetabular component

Right hybrid hip replacement

Bilateral hybrid hip replacement