TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY IN PLYMOUTH
If your hip has been damaged by arthritis, a fracture, or other conditions, common activities such as walking or getting in and out of a chair may be painful and difficult.
Total hip replacement surgery, also known as total hip arthroplasty, is a common surgical procedure used to treat degenerative hip conditions and increasingly, hip fractures. It is one of the most successful operations in terms of improvement in quality of life.
This type of operation may be considered for the treatment of pain and functional limitations of resulting from various kinds of arthritis. Degenerative change in the hip is common and may result from primary osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis. Degenerative change in the hip can also be secondary to congenital or developmental conditions of the hip, childhood hip disorders and the effects of trauma to the joint.
Hip Replacement Surgery is one of the most successful operations.
The most common cause of chronic hip pain and disability is arthritis. Osteoarthritis, Inflammatory arthritis, and arthritis secondary to trauma, developmental abnormality or childhood disorders of the hip are the most common causes of this debilitating disease. The symptoms of a degenerative hip condition, include increasing pain and stiffness that makes common activities such as walking or getting in and out of a chair painful and difficult. The pain may disturb sleep and interfere with work and leisure activities. Pain may be present at rest and stiffness can even make it difficult to put on shoes and socks.
The goal of a total hip replacement is to relieve pain and restore function to your hip.
Total hip replacement is most commonly offered when joint pain is no longer controlled by conservative measures such as painkillers, injections, walking aids or physiotherapy.
How will I feel after hip replacement surgery?
Your new hip joint will reduce pain and increase your hip’s range of motion. Initially, you may feel discomfort while walking and exercising and there may be bruising and swelling affecting the leg.
While in the hospital a physiotherapist will show you exercises to help strengthen your hip and explain what should and should not be done after the operation.
Full recovery from a hip replacement surgery
Full recovery from a hip replacement varies from person to person, but most people are doing well by three months of the operation. It is often possible to return to light activities and office-based work within around 6-8 weeks. It may take a few more weeks if your job involves heavy lifting.
Return to high-impact sports, such as running or playing football, will be discussed by Mr Stitson on an individual patient basis. Most people, however, will return to participating in lower-impact sports — such as swimming, golfing and bicycle riding if they choose
How long does a hip replacement take?
A total hip replacement takes approximately an hour and in part depends on the method of fixation, either uncemented fixation, cemented fixation or a hybrid procedure where the socket is uncemented and the femoral component is cemented.
AT A GLANCE
⏰ A total hip replacement usually takes about 2 hours.
🏨 You will be required to stay in the hospital for 2-4 nights, however, you may have to stay longer if required. Day case procedures may be appropriate in some cases depending on patient suitability.
💰 Prices start from £16,825 including a pre-assessment, treatment and post-discharge care.
Finance is available through the Nuffield Hospital in Plymouth.
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In hip replacement surgery, both the ball and socket portions of the joint can be replaced with artificial components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials.
The hip replacement surgery process
In total hip replacement surgery, both the ball and socket portions of the joint can be replaced with artificial components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials.
Here is an overview of the hip replacement surgery process:
- Preparation & Planning
Once it is agreed that you need a hip replacement, you will be seen in a pre-operative assessment clinic to ensure that you are medically fit for surgery. Mr Stitson will use up-to-date X-rays and sometimes scans to plan the hip replacement to ensure an accurate reconstruction of the hip joint. - Surgery:
Most hip replacements are carried out under spinal anaesthesia. There are various surgical described approaches to the hip joint of which Mr Stitson favours the posterior approach. The head of the femur is removed, and the acetabulum (socket) and femur are prepared using reamers and broaches to accept the relevant components. Depending on bone quality prosthetic components may be uncemented or require bone cement for fixation. The socket liner (ceramic or polyethylene) is inserted and the correct-sized femoral head is applied to the femoral stem (metal or ceramic). The joint can then be ‘reduced’ or re-located and tested for stability before the wound is closed. - Recovery:
You will start mobilizing under physiotherapy supervision as soon as possible after surgery, most commonly on the day of the operation. Your hospital stay is likely to be 1 or 2 nights, although in some cases it may be possible to go home the same day. Physiotherapy exercises will be prescribed to help you regain strength, flexibility, and mobility in the hip joint and to help you get in and out of bed or a chair. You will also be shown techniques for walking safely with crutches and how to negotiate stairs. - Postoperative Care:
Before discharge, you will be provided with a written booklet with information you will need regarding wound care, pain management, and exercises. It is anticipated that you come off crutches at about 6 weeks post-op and gradually return to normal activities by about 3 months. - Long-Term Outlook:
Most people experience significant relief from pain and improved joint function after hip replacement surgery. The longevity of the artificial joint varies depending on factors such as the type of prosthesis, your activity level, and overall health. Modern prosthetic materials are designed to be durable and long-lasting. Current evidence indicates that approximately 90% of hip replacements are still functioning at 20 years.
Potential complications
It’s important to note that hip replacement surgery is a major procedure, and while complications are relatively rare, they can include infection, blood clots, implant loosening, dislocation, and nerve or blood vessel injury.
Each patient’s case is unique, and decisions about whether to undergo hip replacement surgery should be made in consultation with Mr Stitson, who will provide personalised recommendations based on your specific anatomy, medical condition and functional needs.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY...
Mr David Stitson is in Private Practice at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8BG.
He accepts new patient referrals directly from patients, via GP referral, on recommendation from your private medical insurer or via other practitioners including physiotherapists, Osteopaths or chiropractors.
Please do get in touch with us to enquire about an appointment or a procedure.
What are the risks of hip replacement surgery?
Like any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with hip replacement surgery. It’s important to note that the overall success rate of hip replacement surgeries is high, and most patients experience significant benefits.
Here are some potential risks and complications associated with hip replacement surgery:
- Infection:
Infections can occur at the surgical site or within the joint, requiring additional treatment including antibiotics, or even revision surgery to remove and replace the prosthetic joint. - Implant Dislocation:
An artificial hip joint may become dislocated from its proper position. This is most common in the first few months after surgery, however, can happen later on. Certain movements or positions can increase the risk of dislocation and advice will be given as to how best to reduce the risk. Reported rates of dislocation after total hip replacement vary, but in Mr Stitson’s experience the risk is less than 1 % over the lifetime of the joint. - Blood Clots:
Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or DVT) can form in the legs and potentially travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), which can be life-threatening. Mechanical calf compression to encourage blood flow is used in hospitals and blood thinning drugs are prescribed post-operatively to help reduce the risk. - Bleeding:
Excessive bleeding during or after surgery may require blood transfusion or other interventions. - Blood Vessel or Nerve Damage:
Damage to blood vessels or nerves around the surgical area can result in complications such as reduced blood flow, numbness, weakness, or pain. - Leg Length Inequality:
Occasionally, there may be a difference in leg length after surgery, which can affect gait and overall comfort. Mr Stitson uses careful pre-operative planning and meticulous surgical techniques to minimise issues with leg length. - Pain and Stiffness:
Some patients may experience ongoing pain or stiffness in the replaced hip, limiting their range of motion. - Fractures:
During surgery, nearby bones can be accidentally fractured, requiring additional procedures for repair. - Implant Problems:
Prosthetic hip components may wear out over time, become loose, or fail, leading to pain and the need for revision surgery. - Anaesthetic Risks:
General anaesthesia carries its risks, including adverse reactions or complications. Such risks will be described to you by the anaesthetist. - Cardiovascular and Respiratory Risks:
Complications such as heart attack, stroke, or pneumonia can arise. The pre-assessment process is designed to pick up those at particular risk.
It is important to note that while these risks exist, they are relatively uncommon and that the majority of hip replacement procedures are successful and lead to improved quality of life.
The decision to undergo hip replacement surgery should be based on a thorough discussion between yourself and Mr Stitson, with particular attention given to your individual health status, lifestyle, and the severity of hip joint symptoms.
Mr Stitson will take all necessary precautions to minimise operative risks and will closely monitor your progress during the recovery period, addressing any potential complications promptly.
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