Here at The Hopper we take an interest in hip replacements. People who have them are our customers!
We thought it would be helpful to try and answer some common questions about the procedure. Please note that this blog is intended as a general guide only. Please ensure you take specific medical advice to answer questions about your own circumstances.
How does a hip joint work?
The top of the thigh bone is shaped like a ball and this sits in a corresponding shaped socket in the pelvis. The surface of these bones is covered in cartilage which is smooth and absorbs knocks and shocks.
Why do I need a hip replacement?
The most common reason for hip replacement is osteoarthritis. This happens when the cartilage in the hip joint has worn away over time resulting in bones rubbing together, which in turn is painful and can have numerous side effects such as distortion of the joint and restricted movement. Other reasons might include an injury or cancer.
What happens in a hip replacement operation?
Because the hip joint is a ball and socket which must fit together snugly and operate smoothly, both parts of the damaged joint need to be replaced. The top ‘ball’ part of the thigh bone is removed and replaced with a smaller metal (or ceramic) ball on a ‘spike’ which is fitted into the remaining thigh bone. A matching socket is fitted into the pelvis. This type of operation is generally referred to as a total hip replacement.
Is a hip replacement the only option?
Sometimes it is possible to resurface the hip joint rather than replace it. In this case the prosthetic parts fitted only cover the surfaces of the existing joint rather than replacing them completely. This process is called hip resurfacing.
Which type of operation will I have?
Your consultant (surgeon) will decide which operation is most suitable for your specific condition once they have had an opportunity to assess you. In addition to your symptoms this will depend on your age and other health factors.
Is hip replacement surgery dangerous?
There is always a risk associated with having a general anaesthetic and any type of surgery. However approximately 100,000 hip replacements are carried each year in the UK and so it is a common procedure.
How long will I be in hospital following hip replacement surgery?
Your stay in hospital will usually be between 3-5 days depending upon the type of surgery and other factors including your age and fitness.
How long does it take to recover from a hip replacement operation?
Depending on the type of operation you have the incision will usually heal within 10 days. You will be on crutches for 3-6 weeks and it will take 6-12 weeks for you to get back to your usual routine.
Will I still have hip pain after a hip replacement operation?
Any hip joint pain you had before the operation should be cured completely by the replacement operation. There will of course be some initial pain from the operation itself but this should disappear during the recovery period.
Can I drive after a hip replacement operation?
You won’t be able to drive from the date of your hip replacement the operation for approximately 6 weeks. You will see your consultant (surgeon) for a check up at this point and they will advise you whether you are able to drive again.
Is there anything I can do to improve my chances of a successful operation and quick recovery?
Being as fit and healthy as possible before your operation is the best way to improve your outcome. This includes making sure you don’t smoke, you are the correct weight, you eat healthily and moderate your alcohol consumption. If you are able, you should do some relevant exercises in the run up to your operation as this will help to speed your recovery – take advice from a qualified physiotherapist or fitness instructor to help improve your strength and mobility without causing any damage or over-exerting yourself.
Is there anything I need to do to prepare my home for when I get back from hospital?
Yes! Please read our other blogs about how to prepare your home for your recovery. You can find them and others here.
How long will my new hip joint last?
Every person is different and the reason for having your hip replaced might affect the longevity of the new joint. A recent study published in The Lancet (2019) drew data from the UK, Finland and Australia and concluded that patients can expect hip replacements to last 25 years in approximately 58% of cases. Other studies have shown 90% of hip replacements last in excess of 10 years. Methods and materials are improving all the time and the cases recorded in the studies were carried out decades ago. So, depending on when you have your operation, your new hip joint may well last you a lifetime!
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