Introduction to Hip Surgery

January 30, 2020

Introduction
Majority of hip replacements are performed on people aged between 60 to 80, but adults regardless of age can be considered depending on one’s medical conditions.

Hip replacement surgery is needed when the hip joint is worn or damaged to the point that your everyday mobility is limited and you experience pain even while resting.

Reasons For Surgery
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of hip replacement surgery. Other conditions that can result in hip joint damage include:
☑️ rheumatoid arthritis
☑️ a hip fracture
☑️ septic arthritis
☑️ ankylosing spondylitis
☑️ disorders that cause unusual bone growth

Doing The Hip Replacement Surgery
A hip replacement is normally performed under a general anaesthetic, where it takes about 60-90 minutes to complete. The orthopaedic surgeon will create an incision into the hip, take away the damaged hip joint and replace it with an artificial joint made from a metal alloy or, in some cases, ceramic.

Rehabilitation after surgery
Typically, physiotherapy is recommended where your physiotherapist will plan a light hip exercise programme with you. You will be given assistance to begin walking, normally using a walking frame as an aid, when you are well enough. This usually happens a couple of days after surgery. If required you might proceed onto using a crutch.

Your exercise regime will comprise of visiting the gym once a day. During the evening and weekends, you are encouraged to do the exercises on your own, or request assistance from your nurse. In addition, you will practise going up and down the stairs before you are discharged for home.

The occupational therapist will also instruct you on methods to adjust your activities of daily living, and equip you with some useful advice on home safety.

Duration of Stay
The average duration of stay for patients undergoing hip surgery is from 10 to 14 days. However, the duration of stay may differ with each individual.

As everyone’s condition is different, we’ll suggest making an appointment with our hip surgeons for a thorough check.