Total Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the hip joint and replaced with artificial components.  

The hip joint is one of the body's largest weight-bearing joints, located between the thighbone (femur) and the pelvis (acetabulum). It is a ball-and-socket joint, in which the head of the femur is the ball and the pelvic acetabulum forms the socket. The joint surface is covered by a smooth articular cartilage that acts as a cushion and enables smooth movements of the joint.

Several diseases and conditions can cause damage to the articular cartilage. Total hip replacement surgery is an option to relieve severe arthritis pain that limits your daily activities.

Disease overview

Arthritis is the inflammation of joints, resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness and limited movement. Hip arthritis is a common cause of chronic hip pain and disability. The three most common types of arthritis that affect the hip are:

• Osteoarthritis: It is characterised by the progressive wearing-away of the joint cartilage. As the protective cartilage wears down, the bone ends rub against each other, causing pain in the hip.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease in which the tissue lining the joint (synovium) becomes inflamed, resulting in the production of excessive joint fluid (synovial fluid). This leads to the loss of cartilage, causing pain and stiffness.
• Traumatic arthritis: This is a type of arthritis resulting from a hip injury or fracture. Such injuries can damage the cartilage, and cause hip pain and stiffness over a period.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of hip arthritis is joint pain and stiffness that results in limited range of motion. Vigorous activities can increase the pain and stiffness, and may cause limping. 

Diagnosis

  Diagnosis is made by evaluating your medical history, performing a physical examination and ordering X-rays.

Surgical procedure

Surgery may be recommended, if conservative treatment options, such as anti-inflammatory medications and physiotherapy, do not relieve the symptoms.

The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia. During the procedure, a surgical cut is made over the hip to expose the hip joint and the femur is dislocated from the acetabulum. The surface of the socket is cleaned and the damaged or arthritic bone is removed using a reamer. The acetabular component is inserted into the socket using screws or occasionally, bone cement. A liner made of plastic, ceramic or metal is placed inside the acetabular component. The femur or thighbone is then prepared by removing the arthritic bone using special instruments to exactly fit the new metal femoral component. The femoral component is then inserted into the femur, either by a press fit or using bone cement. Then, a femoral head component made of metal or ceramic is placed on the femoral stem. All the new parts are secured in place using special cement. The muscles and tendons around the new joint are repaired and the incision is closed.

Postoperative care

After undergoing total hip replacement, you must take special care to prevent the new joint from dislocating and to ensure proper healing. Some of the common precautions to be taken include:

• Avoid the combined movement of bending your hip and turning your foot inwards.
• Keep a pillow between your legs while sleeping for 6 weeks.
• Never cross your legs and bend your hips past a right angle (90 degree).
• Avoid sitting on low chairs.
• Avoid bending down to pick up things, instead use a grabber.
• Use an elevated toilet seat.

Risks

As with any major surgical procedure, there are certain potential risks and complications involved with total hip replacement surgery. The possible complications after total hip replacement include:

• Infection
• Dislocation
• Fracture of the femur or pelvis
• Injury to nerves or blood vessels
• Formation of blood clots in the leg veins
• Leg length inequality
• Wearing of the hip prosthesis
• Failure to relieve pain
• Scar formation
• Pressure sores

Total hip replacement is one of the most successful orthopaedic procedures performed for patients with hip arthritis. This procedure can relieve pain, restore function, improve your movements at work and play, and provide you with a better quality of life.