Total Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged cartilage and bone is 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 thigh bone (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 which 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 inflammation of the 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: Characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint. As the protective cartilage wears down, the bone ends rub against each other and cause pain in the hip.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: 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 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 (groin) pain and stiffness resulting in limited range of motion. Vigorous activity can increase the pain and stiffness which may cause limping while walking.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is made by evaluating medical history, physical examination and X-rays.
Surgical Procedure
Surgery may be recommended if conservative treatment options such as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy do not relieve the symptoms.
The surgery is typically performed under spinal anesthesia with sedation. 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. A liner made of plastic is placed inside the acetabular component and serves as the new cartilage substitute for the joint. The femur or thigh bone 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 to the femur either by a press fit in which the parts are held tightly to the bone by friction. The femoral head component made of metal or ceramic is then placed on the femoral stem. The muscles and tendons around the new joint are repaired and the incision is closed. Bone grows into the new parts over a period of 6 weeks to 3 months at which time the metal parts become a part of the patient’s body. In some patients with weaker bone the parts may be secured with bone cement.
Post-operative care
Special instructions for recovering from hip replacement surgery will be provided to you after your surgery. In most, specific restriction on hip movement are not necessary beyond avoiding extremes of motion. A simple guideline is to avoid pushing your new hip beyond what is comfortable. Please see the separate section on this website regarding recovery from hip replacement surgery.
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 out of the hip prosthesis
- Failure to relieve pain
- Scar formation
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.