How do I know if it’s right for me?

If you are suffering from significant pain which prevents you completing your everyday tasks, this is a sign that you are likely to benefit from a hip replacement. Although it is a procedure traditionally associated with older patients, it can be the appropriate course of action for anyone who is suffering from: Recurring hip and knee pain, especially when walking or during exercise, Difficulty getting up or down stairs, Disturbed sleep caused by pain from hip movement, Limited relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, or other therapies.

Hip Replacement I Orthopaedics I St Vincent’s Private Hospitals

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Orthopaedics

Hip replacement surgeries and procedures

Hip problems are very common and can affect patients of all ages. Painful symptoms and difficulty moving can be caused by a wide range of conditions such as osteoarthritis, bursitis, fractures or dysplasia. Older adults are more likely to experience arthritis while more active people are likely to be affected by tendon or cartilage injuries. There are many types of hip operations that can help relieve symptoms. Hip replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to relieve painful hip conditions, improve mobility and restore normal function. Each patient is considered on an individual basis and our orthopaedic hip specialists are on hand to advise on the best treatment pathway.

Total hip replacement

This hip operation replaces the damaged parts of your hip with artificial materials to relieve pain and improve function and mobility.

Revision hip replacement

The old parts of your hip replacement that are no longer working are removed and replaced with new ones.

Bilateral hip replacement

Bilateral hip replacement removes damaged parts of the hip on both sides of the body. It can be performed as one procedure, or as separate operations.

Partial Hip Replacement

Partial hip replacement surgery removes and replaces only the ball of the hip joint. The hip socket is left unaffected.

Hip replacement surgeries and procedures

Hip Replacement - Patient Journey

Hip replacement surgery is a highly successful medical procedure that is very safe and effective. It is performed on thousands of patients every year and can help to relieve pain, restore joint function and significantly improve your overall quality of life. We understand that undergoing a surgical procedure can feel overwhelming, which is why we have multi-disciplinary teams on hand to support you every step of the way. We are dedicated to providing you with a safe and comfortable environment at every stage of your experience.

Choosing your hospital

Deciding where to have your hip replacement surgery is one of the most important decisions you will make, and you should take some time to research your options carefully. Ask your doctor for some recommendations and find out any relevant information such as how many similar surgeries have been performed previously. Once you are happy with your decision, you can book a consultation appointment with your chosen specialist.

Specialist consultation

At this appointment your specialist will conduct a thorough examination and discuss the different types of hip replacement surgery available to you. You can use your consultation to ask any questions you may have about your condition, including how the surgery will be performed and what you can expect to happen. Once your doctor has advised on a course of treatment, you can begin to prepare for your hospital admission and surgery.

Preparation and admission

Your doctor will talk to you about what you need to do to prepare for hip replacement surgery. This may involve taking prescribed medications in advance of your procedure, completing regular strength exercises and preparing your house for your return. As you will not be able to drive for 4 weeks after surgery, it is helpful to think about making personal arrangements in advance that will help your recovery when you return home from hospital. A well-planned departure is the best way to ensure a faster recovery with a quicker return to independent living. When you arrive at hospital, our team will make sure you are comfortable, and your specialist will visit you to answer any final questions.

The surgery

On the day of your operation, it is important to follow your surgeon’s fasting advice to prevent any delays to your surgery. Once at hospital, your anaesthetist will talk to you about the type of anaesthetic to be used and the procedure involved. The operation itself normally takes around 2-3 hours depending on the extent of the surgery. Once it is complete, you will transfer to the recovery ward.

Your recovery

Recovering from a hip replacement operation is a gradual process, and it will look different for every patient. Soon after surgery you will be encouraged to start moving your hips and walking around with help from our nursing team. Physiotherapists will be on hand to teach you exercises that will aid the recovery process. Most patients spend 3-4 days in hospital before heading either back home, or onwards to rehabilitation. Understanding how to play an active role in your own recovery is key to restoring confidence and independence as you start to regain your strength and mobility.

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is a vital part of your recovery. It will help you quickly regain confidence and independence as well as avoid injury. The first stage is about comfortably taking those first steps with your new hip, learning what to avoid and how best to aid your recovery. The second stage focuses on building your strength back up. You will be prescribed a specific set of exercises as part of your rehabilitation programme which are designed to strengthen your muscles, improve your balance and increase your range of motion. The final stage of recovery is about restoring full function which includes more strenuous tasks and activities. Our rehabilitation team includes physicians, physiotherapists and occupational therapists that will guide you each step of the way as you regain your strength.

Ask about any inpatient or outpatient, individual and group rehabilitation sessions that you can access through your hospital.

What’s Next?

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The greatest benefit is the substantial relief from chronic pain, followed by increased mobility and function. Repairing damage caused to the hip joint means you can quickly resume your everyday tasks and activities, such as walking, bike-riding and swimming – with significantly less pain. In turn, this increased level of physical exertion will have secondary long-term health benefits, such as a reduced risk of heart disease and diabetes. Opting to have hip replacement surgery can feel like a big decision, but the outcomes can greatly improve your quality of life.

A hip replacement operation usually takes between two-three hours, depending on the extent of the surgery. Most patients stay in hospital for a few days after the procedure before heading back home, or onwards to rehabilitation.

Over time, implants and attachment mechanisms have evolved and innovated such that a modern hip replacement can typically last between 15-25 years. However, much of this depends on your age and health, and how well you care for your new hip. Staying mobile, avoiding high impact activities and maintaining a healthy diet will all help your new hip last as long as possible

If you are suffering from persistent hip pain that limits your daily activities and does not respond to conservative therapy, this could be a sign that you are likely to benefit from a hip replacement operation. You may also be experiencing:
·     Pain when resting at night
·     Difficulty getting up and down stairs
·     Limited relief from anti-inflammatories
·     Stiffness
·     Reduced range of motion
·     Diminished quality of life

Most people can get back to driving within 4-6 weeks of surgery, but this will depend on your personal recovery, and whether your hip operation affected the right or left side of the body. You need to be able to sit comfortably, react quickly and safely control the car before making a return to the road. If the surgery was on your right hip, it could take a little longer as this side controls the brake. Always discuss your individual progress with your treating doctor before getting back on the road.

Any surgical procedure carries an element of complication. Your surgeon and orthopaedic care team will conduct a full assessment prior to any surgery to determine your individual level of risk, and any appropriate action that may be required will be discussed with you at your consultation.

The recovery time looks different for everybody and will depend on your health coming into the procedure. Patients are often up and about walking very soon after surgery. Most patients spend 3-4 days in hospital to recover, before heading either back home or onwards to rehabilitation. Within 4-6 weeks you are likely to feel much stronger and able to resume light activities. After 3 months you will probably be able to get around without much support and be able to return to exercise and low-impact sport. The road to full recovery is much quicker if you maintain strength and flexibility along the way. Regular walking is one of the best ways to help achieve this.

Hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful and life changing medical procedures available today. Sometimes referred to as a total hip replacement, or hip arthroplasty, the natural hip joint is replaced with artificial parts that can quickly help reduce pain and return you to everyday activities. The hip joint is the largest weight bearing part of the body and works just like a ball and socket. Over time, or through common conditions like arthritis or injury, the cartilage and bone can become damaged causing severe pain and discomfort. Hip replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to relieve painful hip conditions, improve mobility and restore normal function. Each patient is considered on an individual basis and our orthopaedic hip specialists are on hand to advise on the most appropriate treatment.

Because your movement will be limited after surgery, you may need some help with tasks such as bathing, the laundry and groceries. It might help to have safety bars or handrails installed in your shower or bath, with a raised toilet seat. Your allied health staff will help check your individual situation while in hospital. It’s a good idea to place everyday items at waist level, so that when you get home you won’t have to bend down or reach up high. Work out where you will spend most of your recovery time and ensure that everything you are likely to need such as a telephone, TV control or medicines is close at hand.

Here at St Vincent’s Private Hospitals, our focus is always on improving people’s lives. As one of the top healthcare providers in Australia, we are committed to excellence across every aspect of your experience. We provide a welcoming and safe environment with patients firmly at the centre of our care.

Contact us today for a specialist consultation and learn more about how you could benefit from hip replacement surgery.

St Vincents Private Hospitals

Hip Replacement