The hip is one of the largest joints in your body. You use your hips for all movement involving your upper leg, so hip pain can be debilitating.
About your hip joint
As with your shoulder, the hip is a ball and socket joint, with the ball (femoral head) at the upper end of the thighbone and the socket (acetabulum) formed by part of the pelvis. The bony ends of the joint are covered with cartilage, which helps the bones to slide smoothly over each other, cushioning them as you move. The joint is lubricated by synovial fluid which surrounds it.
What causes hip pain?
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common reasons for hip pain. The condition causes the cartilage – which is a tough, slippery substance – to begin wearing away around the hip joint, preventing the bones from moving smoothly. As cartilage thins further, the bones can start to rub against each other and may even develop bony spurs, called osteophytes. The result is characteristic pain, stiffness and loss of mobility. Osteoarthritis is associated with ageing and some people may have a genetic predisposition. The condition is degenerative, leading to worsening pain with time. As many as one in 10 people over the age of 60 will develop osteoarthritis. Other possible causes of hip pain include rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune condition, post-traumatic arthritis following a serious injury or fracture, or other types of hip injury or disease.
What is a total hip replacement?
The procedure involves removing the diseased or damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial joint made from metal alloys, ceramics and high-grade medical plastics. A total hip replacement – also called total hip arthroplasty – involves removing the damaged bone and cartilage and replacing it with artificial implants. Both the damaged femoral head and acetabulum are replaced in a total hip replacement whereas in a partial hip replacement (Hemiarthroplasty) only the femoral head is replaced
Who is suitable for total hip replacement surgery?
Because there is no cure for osteoarthritis and the condition cannot be reversed, you are likely to be offered a range of treatments to help you manage the symptoms. In the early stages of the disease, you may obtain sufficient relief from painkilling medication, exercises to build strength and flexibility or injections of corticosteroids into the affected area. However, as arthritis develops, you may require more invasive treatment and in the most severe cases, you may be offered joint replacement surgery. This can be a life-changing procedure, enabling you to live your life fully again, largely free from pain and stiffness. However, although hip replacements are now routine, they are major surgical procedures and, therefore, only offered to patients who are most in need. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss with you whether you are suitable for a hip replacement.
What is Mako robotic arm assisted total hip replacement?
Carrothers Orthopaedics is one of the leading orthopaedic surgeons in the UK using Mako robotic arm assisted technology in hip replacements. This highly advanced system, developed by Stryker, is used to support and enhance the skill of our orthopaedic surgeon, Andrew Carrothers, helping to further improve patient outcomes.
The Mako system enables him to pre-plan your surgical procedure using specialist software. A CT scan is used to generate a 3D virtual model of your hip before surgery. This is important because everyone’s anatomy is unique and even small variations can have an impact on the performance of prosthetic implants.
The Mako system then creates a personalised pre-operative plan and, during surgery, the robotic arm assists Mr Carrothers to perform the procedure in line with this plan. Surgeon and Mako work together to ensure that only diseased or damaged bone is removed and the implant is positioned with pinpoint accuracy. The robotic arm does not replace the orthopaedic surgeon’s skill – if Mr Carrothers wants to make adjustments to the plan during surgery he can – however it brings a valuable additional tool to the operating room.
What are the benefits of Mako robotic arm assisted total hip replacement?
Using Mako helps Mr Carrothers to position implants with greater accuracy in a way that is optimised for your unique anatomy. This may give better results in the long term. The Mako system maps your natural joint movement patterns, helping to minimise excessive stress on soft tissues and ligaments. Rehabilitation from surgery tends to be quicker and the risk of complications lower using this highly advanced technique. There is also less chance of implant failure.
If you are due to undergo a total hip replacement, why not download our helpful patient guide to Mako robotic arm assisted surgery:
Or contact us for more information.
Robotic arm assisted joint replacement | Cambridge
Whether you have chronic pain due to an injury, or have developed a condition such as osteoarthritis, there are options available to you to get back to optimum health. Our specialist consultant orthopaedic surgeons treat a wide range of orthopaedic conditions, including arthritis, trauma, limb deformity and sports injuries. We also offer Mako robotic arm assisted surgery to patients that are suitable.
Our consultation fees are clearly presented here.
For your convenience, we offer appointments at both Nuffield Hospital Cambridge and Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital.