Hip replacement – Procedure information
Reports indicate that total hip replacements are one of the most frequent procedures performed on Anglo Medical Scheme members. If your doctor recommended this operation, you will no doubt have many questions.
What are the benefits of the surgery?
You should experience less pain and be able to walk more easily.
What does the surgeon do during the operation?
Your surgeon will make an incision on the side of your hip and remove the damaged ball and socket of your hip. It will be replaced with an artificial ball and socket made of metal, plastic or ceramic, or a combination of these materials (see picture below).
Your hip replacement is fixed into the bone using acrylic cement or special coatings on your hip replacement that bond directly to the bone. Your surgeon will close the incision with stitches or clips.
What are the potential complications?
The healthcare team makes every effort to ensure the operation is as safe as possible but complications can happen. For a list of possible complications please refer to the full article on the web.
What can I do to help reduce the risk of complications from the anaesthetic and guarantee the operation is a success?
If you smoke, stop smoking several weeks before the operation to reduce your risk of developing complications during the procedure, such as respiratory or circulatory problems.
Try to maintain a healthy weight. You have a higher risk of developing complications if you are overweight and regular exercise will also help prepare you, both for the operation and make your recovery quick.
How soon will I recover?
In hospital
After the operation, you will be transferred to the recovery area and then to the ward. You will usually have an x-ray done to check the position of your hip replacement. The physiotherapist will help you to start walking by using crutches or a walking frame (usually already by the next day). They will teach you how to look after your new hip. Your surgeon or the physiotherapist will tell you how much weight you can put on your leg. Keep your wound dry for four to five days, and use a waterproof dressing when you have a bath or shower. The healthcare team will tell you if you need to have any stitches or clips removed, or dressings changed. You should be able to go home after three to seven days. However, your doctor may recommend that you stay a little longer.
Returning to normal activities
To reduce the risk of a blood clot, make sure you follow the instructions of the healthcare team carefully if you have been given medicine or need to wear special stockings. The healthcare team will tell you when you can return to normal activities. To reduce the risk of problems, it is important to look after your new hip exactly as you have been told. You will need to use crutches or walking sticks for a few weeks. Regular exercise should help you to return to your normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice. Do not drive until you are confident about controlling your vehicle.
Always remember to obtain authorisation for a hospital admission or procedures. Please phone 0860 222 633 for authorisation, or to find out how we fund a total hip replacement on your plan.
The is a shortened version of the full procedure information, available in the Procedure information library.