A Total Hip Replacement is a surgical procedure performed to relieve or reduce the symptoms of arthritis in the hip joint, such as pain, swelling and reduced mobility.
Indications for surgery:
Chronic hip pain causing reduced mobility. This is caused by:
- Osteoarthritis – wear & tear of the ankle joint
- Rheumatoid Arthritis – Autoimmune disease causing swelling & deformity of the joint
- Arthritis due to previous injury to the ankle joint
- Trauma to the ankle joint necessitating replacement of the joint.
Procedure:
A hip replacement is a surgical procedure where the top of the hip bone (ball) is removed and replaced with an artificial replacement or prosthesis and a new artificial socket is placed into the pelvic bone.
After Your Surgery:
You will have dressings on your hip after the surgery and this will be changed prior to your discharge.
You will be mobilised by the physiotherapist after your surgery. Depending on what time you get back to the ward after your surgery, we aim to get you out of bed the day of surgery.
You will be shown how to use a frame and then progress to crutches while in hospital after your surgery. It is recommended that you plan for not being as mobile as you were prior to the surgery for the first few weeks during your recovery. Some people book themselves into convalescence for a week or two after their surgery.
You will be ready for discharge 3 to 4 days after surgery.
Please speak to your consultant regarding any specific questions or queries you have about this surgery and the rehabilitation afterwards. Please also read the Patient Information Booklet on Hip Replacement Surgery available from your consultant or directly from the hospital.
