Hip replacement surgery is a procedure in which the doctor removes the painful hip joint and replaces it with an artificial joint often made from plastic and metal components. Usually, it is done when all other treatment options have failed to provide pain relief to the patient.

Why is Hip replacement surgery done?

Some conditions can damage the hip joint and create the need for hip replacement surgery.

These are:

Osteoarthritis: It is commonly known as wear-and-tear arthritis. It damages the slick cartilage that covers the ends of bones and is helpful in moving the joints smoothly.

Rheumatoid arthritis: An overactive immune system causes rheumatoid arthritis. It produces a type of inflammation that can erode slick cartilage and occasionally underlying bone, resulting in deformed and damaged joints.

Osteonecrosis: If there is an inadequate blood supply to the ball portion of the hip joint, the bone may collapse and deform.

A hip replacement is considered if the patient is experiencing hip pain:

Despite the pain medication, the pain persists
Worsens with walking, even with a walker or cane
Interferes with your sleep
Affects your ability to climb stairs
Difficult to rise from a seated position
Tests and Diagnosis for Hip Replacement

A medical history and physical examination of the patient are done.

An X-ray is done to diagnose the characteristic features such as spurring of the joint margins and narrowing of the joint.

Hip Replacement Surgery Procedure

Hip replacement surgery can be performed traditionally or by using a minimally-invasive technique. The only difference between the two procedures is the size of the incision made to perform surgery.

During the Procedure

The hip replacement surgery procedure takes a few hours & is performed under general anaesthesia. In the surgery, a damaged bone and cartilage are removed and then new plastic, ceramic or metal implants are used to restore the alignment and function of the hip.

An incision is made along the side of the hip and muscles are moved to connect them to the top of the thigh bone that exposes the hip joint.
Then, the ball portion of the hip joint is removed by cutting the thigh bone with a saw.
After this, an artificial joint made with metal, plastic or ceramic is attached to the thigh bone using cement or any other special material that allows the remaining bone to attach to the new joint.
The surface of the hipbone is prepared by removing any damaged cartilage and the replacement socket part is attached to the hipbone.
The new ball is then inserted into the socket part of the hip. The doctor then reconnects the muscles and closes the incision.
Most of the hip replacement surgeries today are performed using the standard technique that includes one 8-10 inch cut along the side of the hip. In recent years, doctors are also using a minimally-invasive technique wherein doctor makes one to two cuts of 2 to 5 inches long.

However, both surgeries are performed with the same procedure.

The small cuts are thought to ease pain following surgery, lessen blood loss, shorter hospital stays, speed healing and reduce scar appearance.

After the Surgery

The patient is likely to stay in the hospital for 4-6 days and a wedge-shaped cushion will likely be placed between the legs of the patient to keep the new hip joint in place.
A drainage tube will likely be placed in the bladder for urination.
Physical therapy begins the day after surgery and within days, the patient can walk with a cane, walker or crutches.