Information: Total Hip Arthroplasty

What is Total Hip Arthroplasty ?

Total hip arthroplasty is undertaken for hip arthritis. With age or following rheumatoid arthritis the weight bearing surfaces of the hip joint become worn away. They are no longer smooth and free running and this leads to stiffness and pain. Eventually the joint wears away to such an extent that the bone of the femur grinds on the bone of the pelvis or acetabulum. Joint replacement is then required. New technology, new techniques and new types of hip replacements have made this procedure in recent years very successful and the results are now very reliable.

Total Hip Arthroplasty – Indications / Contra-indications

Anatomy / Ailment detail

The hip comprises the joint between the upper end of the femur and the pelvis or acetabulum. Either or all of these parts of the hip may be affected by arthritis to various degrees. The procedure of joint replacement includes removing the affected joint surfaces and replacing them with metal components usually with a high-density polyethylene-bearing surface between the metal components. The metal components are usually (but not always in special circumstances) cemented to the bone. Using new techniques often joint replacement may be undertaken using minimal access surgery utilising much smaller incisions than previously utilised. This assists with rapid recovery and return of function.

Who Needs it / Who Doesn’t ?

The symptomatic arthritic patients with pain, limp, deformity or a restricted function are those which should consider hip replacement. The symptoms include hip pain, or alternately pain is commonly experienced in the buttock, groin, lower thigh or in the knee joint.

Total Hip Arthroplasty – Non-operative Treatment

Management usually includes a detailed history of the condition, details of the current symptoms and disability, current and previous medications and past medical history.