Hip Replacement
Hip replacement surgery has become a common procedure for patients suffering from severe hip pain and mobility issues. The surgery involves removing the damaged portion of the hip joint and replacing it with an artificial joint, typically made of metal or ceramic.
This procedure can significantly improve an patient's quality of life by reducing pain and improving mobility. In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of hip replacement surgery, as well as what to expect during and after the procedure.
The content has been reviewed for quality and accuracy to the best of our knowledge by Qunomedical and its Medical Board of Experts.
QUICK DETAILS
WHO IS THIS FOR
People with chronic hip pain.
People with chronic hip mobility issues.
Elderly people suffering the effects of osteoarthritis.
People with a serious hip fracture.
People with septic arthritis.
People suffering the effects of rheumatoid arthritis.
People with bone-growth disorders.
SUCCESS
Hip replacements have been improved significantly over the course of the last 30 years. Today, the success rate after 10 years is around 90%, while the success rate after 20 years is around 80%.
RECOVERY TIME
Patients usually require walking aids for the first four to six weeks after surgery.
Most patients can resume their normal activities after around three months.
Some patients don't experience the full benefits of a hip replacement until up to a year after surgery.
POTENTIAL RISKS & SIDE EFFECTS
Dislocation of the hip
Infection
Damage to surrounding blood vessels and nerves
Fractures
Slightly different leg lengths
The risk of serious complications is very low - around one in 100
Gallery
Hip replacement (arthroscopy) procedure.
Hip replacement (arthroscopy) procedure.
Cost
Price Calculation
The cost of a hip replacement depends on the type of surgery you select, the complexity of the procedure, and where you choose to have it done.
Below are average starting prices for a hip replacement in different countries. The pricing differential depends on many factors, such as cost of living, exchange rates, practicing costs or regulatory conditions, which may differ greatly from country to country.
Country | Price (EUR €) |
---|---|
Poland | € 5,225 |
Croatia | € 6,860 |
Thailand | € 7,600 |
Germany | € 9,000 |
Mexico | € 19,630 |
How does a Hip Replacement Work?
The hip is made to work hard over the course of a person's lifetime. As a result, it can become worn and permanently damaged over time. When pain and immobility become too much to cope with, a full replacement is often the only long-term solution.
A hip replacement, or arthroscopy, is major surgery, and the entire process - from pre-operative assessments to complete discharge - can take up to a year. Surgeons have to completely remove the old joint and replace it with an engineered joint made with hard-wearing materials.
What is a Hip Replacement?
A hip replacement is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of a damaged hip joint. A prosthetic made with various metal and plastic components is fitted in its place. This is a major operation and is often a last resort due to the level of pain and immobility being suffered.
How Does a Hip Replacement Work?
Below a step-by-step description of how a hip replacement surgery works.
You are anaesthetised: After a series of pre-operative checks, surgery begins with the administration of a general anaesthetic. This relaxes your muscles and joints and induces a deep sleep. Occasionally, if you suffer bad reactions to general anaesthesia, a spinal anaesthetic might be given instead.
A large incision is made: An initial incision is made along the side of your hip. The muscles in the area are then moved towards to the top of the thigh bone in order to fully expose your hip joint.
The ball of the joint is removed: The surgeon uses a saw to remove the ball of the joint. The prosthetic joint is then attached to the top of your thigh bone with cement or a special organic material.
Your hip bone is prepared: Once the ball of the joint has been replaced, the surgeon prepares your hip bone by removing any bone spurs and smoothing the surface. The new ball section of the joint can then be inserted into the socket. At this stage, a drain may be needed to drain away any excess fluid. The muscles are reattached, and the incision is closed.
Are There Different Types of Hip Replacement?
The traditional method of hip replacement is highly invasive and leaves the patient in significant pain and discomfort afterwards. However, there is an alternative technique, and it's far less invasive.
Hip Resurfacing
Hip resurfacing is a less invasive alternative to a traditional hip replacement procedure with a far shorter recovery period. The surgeon starts by removing all of the damage to the surfaces of the bones within the hip joint. Once this process is complete, a new metal surface is inserted. This process involves removing a lot less bone and causes less pain. However, older patients and women with osteoporosis usually aren't suitable for this type of hip replacement surgery as their bones are much weaker.
For a while, hip resurfacing was very popular among younger patients. However, there are concerns that the metal surface inserted into the joint can cause damage and inflammation to the surrounding soft tissues.
Your doctor will be able to tell you what hip replacement procedure is best in your case.
What Should I Expect?
While relatively simple and routine these days, hip replacement is a very invasive procedure. Bone is removed, and a whole joint is practically dismantled and rebuilt. As a result, you should expect to be off your feet for several days after the procedure.
The road to recovery is long and requires a degree of hard work on the part of the patient. Physiotherapy is a large part of the rehabilitation process as the patient must learn how to use their new joint. Pain can be managed, but it can be particularly severe during the first few days after surgery. And mobility doesn't return straight away - it grows over a period of months.
You should expect the entire process to take at least a year. It is, therefore, a good idea to ensure you have both practical and emotional help throughout this period. But if you look after yourself and follow the doctor's advice, there's no reason why you shouldn't make a full recovery within 12 months of the surgery. Eventually, your new joint should provide you with relief from the pain you've been suffering with and greatly increase mobility.
Hip Replacement Reviews
Hip Replacement Reviews
523.08.2019
With hip arthrosis on both sides, I ended up at the Atos Orthoparc Clinic through previous research. First choice and best choice! From the beginning I felt very well taken care of. First examination up to the date arrangement of the operation, incl. x-ray, clarification etc. after approx. 1.5 hours finished. Now, 6 weeks post surgery "well on foot" physiotherapy in the clinic and other measures contribute to perfect healing. I would do everything exactly the same way again, thank you very much.
23.08.2019
With hip dysplasia on both sides I was recommended the ATOS Orthoparc Clinic. I couldn't have gotten a better recommendation! From the first appointment up to the OP passed just 1 week and the application for immediately following AHB was also made. Thanks to the excellent pain management, the first mobilization took place in the recovery room, the discharge into rehab took place after 5 days and today, 6 weeks after the operation, I am already much better 'on foot' than before the operation. At my next hip surgery (which is only a question of time), I will definitely go back to the ATOS Orthoparc Clinic. I felt I was in good hands there.
10.07.2019
I am from Norway and I contacted Dr. Corbi about the important problems that my hips caused me. In less than 6 months he placed two total hip replacements. All the pain I had has disappeared. I am very grateful to all of Dr. Corbi's team, especially the anesthetist who allowed me to remain awake during the operation and without pain. Highly recommended
15.06.2017
First I went to German Diagnostic Center in Moldova and they have recommended this hospital to me. I deeply trust this hospital and the professor who has done the surgery. The fact that everybody was so kind, I wasn’t even pressing the emergency button and the nurses would immediately appear at my door.
Patient manager
Frieda
Your personal Patient Manager
Let's talk
Still unsure? Feeling overwhelmed? Talking to a real person can give you the guidance and reassurance needed. You don’t have to do it alone. Let’s find the right doctor together.