St Vincent’s Private Hospital Toowoomba is the largest private hospital in the Darling Downs area of Queensland and is home to several internationally-renowned hip surgeons – many of whom have lived in the area for generations. Leading the field in hip replacement surgery and supported by a highly skilled team of multidisciplinary staff, this Queensland hospital offers outstanding operating facilities and a longstanding commitment to medical innovation and research. In operation for over 100 years, the hospital is supported by a comprehensive network of allied health services.

Total hip replacement surgery

Total hip replacement surgery, sometimes referred to as hip arthroplasty, is considered one of the most successful in modern medicine and is commonly performed across all of Australia. The most usual reason for hip replacement surgery is to relieve hip pain caused by osteoarthritis, but it can also be used to treat injury, as well as other forms of arthritis and hip disorders. The hip itself is actually a ball and socket joint where the thigh bone (femur) meets the pelvis (acetabulum). It is protected by an intricate structure of muscles, ligaments and cartilage that give stability and flexibility of movement. Over time, the hip joint can become vulnerable to injury or disease and as we age, that protective layer of cartilage gradually wears away eventually leaving the bones exposed. When the bones rub up against each other, it causes intense pain, swelling, stiffness and discomfort. Hip replacement surgery is an effective way to significantly reduce arthritic pain and restore mobility and function to the hip joint. Whilst this condition is more common in older patients aged over 50, hip replacement surgery is suitable for all ages.

Hip pain can be caused by many different conditions, and your doctor will perform a series of tests, such as a hip arthroscopy  to diagnose the problem. From here, you can discuss possible treatment options that may include:

Partial hip replacement

Total hip replacement surgery addresses injury or disease that affects both parts of the hip joint. A partial hip replacement, or uni-compartmental hip replacement, is often recommended if there is an injury to the ball-shaped femoral head, but the socket area of the hip remains healthy. During partial hip replacement surgery, the femoral ball at the top of the thigh bone is removed and replaced with an artificial part. It is not usually considered an appropriate treatment for degenerative arthritis as this is unlikely to be limited to one area of the hip joint. Partial hip replacements are often used to repair hip fractures and can be performed as a minimally invasive procedure. Advantages of this include a reduced surgery time, less pain and a quicker recovery.