In this article we will answer some of the questions we get asked most frequently about total hip replacements. While we can give general information and guidance about this common surgical procedure, your own orthopaedic surgeon will be able to provide specific information for you and your individual circumstances, including answering your questions and allaying any concerns. Or, please feel free to contact us.
What is a total hip replacement?
A total hip replacement is a surgical procedure which entails removing a hip joint that has become damaged as a result of severe arthritis, a hip fracture or other serious health conditions. The damaged joint is replaced with an artificial implant called a prosthesis. Hip implants are designed to be hard-wearing and to function in a similar way to your natural hip joint.
According to The Lancet, in 2019 there were 109.6 thousand hip replacement procedures in England and Wales.
Why have I been offered a total hip replacement?
A total hip replacement is normally recommended if you have severe hip pain due to a degenerative condition like osteoarthritis, as well as other forms of arthritis or a disorder that causes abnormal bone growth. You may also be offered this type of surgery if you have sustained a serious hip fracture.
If you have a degenerative health condition like osteoarthritis, your doctor will recommend other, less invasive treatments – such as painkilling medication and physiotherapy – before suggesting a total hip replacement. This is because, despite being a routine procedure, a hip replacement does carry certain risks, in common with all forms of surgery. Your surgeon will normally advise delaying surgery for as long as possible to minimise the risks and, also, because hip implants generally last around 15-20 years so the longer you can delay, the less your chances of requiring further surgery in the future.
Of course, it’s important not to endure pain for any longer than necessary so always talk to your doctor about the best time to have hip replacement surgery.
What happens during a total hip replacement?
Hip replacement surgery is carried out as an in-patient, which means you will be admitted to hospital for the procedure. You will normally be given a spinal or regional nerve block anaesthesia with sedation, which means that you will be asleep but can be woken, but you won’t feel anything from the waist down. If needed, you will otherwise have a general anaesthetic so you will be asleep throughout the surgery with the anaesthetic machine controlling your breathing. In terms of your recovery and general risks, it is usually best to have a spinal or regional nerve block anaesthesia with sedation, where possible.
During the surgery, which normally takes between one and two hours, the damaged femoral head at the top of your thigh bone will be replaced with a metal stem fitted into the hollow centre of the bone. The stem has a metal or ceramic ball at the top to replace the femoral head. The damaged cartilage in your hip socket will also be removed and a metal socket inserted. Spacers made from surgical grade plastic or ceramic will be inserted between the prosthetic ball and socket, helping to create a smooth bearing surface so the joint can move freely.
What is a Mako total hip replacement?
Mako robotic arm-assisted hip replacement surgery is a state-of-the-art technology that is used by some orthopaedic surgeons to further enhance their own skill and surgical judgement and improve outcomes for patients. Developed by Stryker, the system uses innovative computer software to enable the surgeon to generate a 3D model of your unique anatomy, showing up details that they would not be able to see using X-rays alone.
Using the 3D model, the surgeon can create a personalised surgical plan, determining the ideal size and positioning of the artificial implant. During the surgery itself, your surgeon will use Mako’s innovative robotic arm to guide them to follow the surgical plan, ensuring the implant is perfectly placed and aligned. In clinical studies Mako has been shown to reduce the likelihood of hip dislocation after surgery, reduce blood loss during the procedure and replicate the feeling of a natural hip joint more effectively. We offer Mako hip replacement surgery at Carrothers Orthopaedics.
What does the term ‘elective’ hip replacement mean?
The word ‘elective’ simply means it as a planned surgical procedure rather than one that is carried out in response to an emergency, such as an accident or serious injury.
Is total hip replacement surgery safe?
All surgery carries some risk, including hip replacement surgery. However, this type of surgery has been around since the early 1960s and there have been many improvements and refinements over the years. Today, hip replacements are routine surgical procedures that can bring life-changing relief from pain and improvements in mobility and function.
Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss any possible risks with you prior to surgery, which might include a possibility of infection in the wound or around the prosthesis, hip dislocations, uneven leg length, loosening of the artificial implant or blood clots. You will be given information on how to spot possible signs of post-surgical complications and what to do about them.
How long will I have to stay in hospital?
You will be discharged from hospital as soon as you are able to stand up and move around on your new hip, which is sometimes on the same day as surgery or the following day. You are likely to need some additional help once you return home and you may need to make adaptations to your living space. Your surgeon will advise on this prior to your procedure.
When can I go back to work?
This will depend on the type of work you do and how well you recover after surgery. For some office-based jobs you might be able to get back to work after two weeks but more physical jobs will require a longer recovery time of up to six weeks.
What can I expect after a total hip replacement?
Having a total hip replacement should enable you to resume many of the activities you used to enjoy and to have a better quality of life, with improved mobility and less pain. You may experience some stiffness in the joint, particularly when you bend, and there may be some numbness around the incision site. Overall, most patients are delighted with the outcomes of their hip replacement surgery.
On 11 June 2023, one of Andrew Carrothers’ NHS patients at Addenbrooke’s Hospital wrote:
“It is clear to me that even with Mr Carrothers’ considerable knowledge and many years’ experience, he still takes great interest in each and every individual patient and I was definitely a beneficiary of this high professional standard. My life is much improved following my operation [hip replacement] for which he has my sincere gratitude.”
Contact us for more information about your total hip replacement surgery.
Talk to an orthopaedic consultant | Cambridge
We are always happy to provide information and guidance about the various treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical, including Mako robotic arm assisted surgery and conventional surgery.
For more information, please contact us.
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For your convenience, we offer appointments at both Nuffield Hospital Cambridge and Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital.
