Hip Replacement

Osteo-arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease which damages the smooth cartilage capping a joint. This causes irregularity and destruction of the cartilage – in effect it “wears out”. The damaged surfaces rub on each other causing pain and stiffness.

Initially this pain can be managed with medications such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatories (eg: diclofenac or ibuprofen), or ‘joint supplement’ preparations from your chemist.

However once your pain is limiting daily function and not controlled by painkillers, and you experience night pain, it may be best treated with a Hip Replacement.

Hip replacements are well proven over the past 40 years to give most patients very good pain relief and return to function. They are not perfect – the best joint is the ‘native’ one you are born with – but typically 95% of hip replacements are still functioning at 10 to 15 years post-surgery.

Before deciding whether a hip replacement is necessary, I will see you for a consultation, take a history and examine you, assess your Xray and explain the surgery and risks to you.

At another date the anaesthetist will advise the best type of anesthetic for your hip replacement. You will need some blood tests, and an ECG (heart tracing) at this time.

Hip replacement surgery typically takes about 90 minutes, under general or spinal anaesthesia. You may need a urinary catheter for 1-2 days. Blood transfusion is a possibility, but not usually necessary.

You will be in hospital for 4 or 5 days afterwards, then need crutches at home.

Stitches or clips are removed at the 10 day mark.

You shouldn’t drive for 6 weeks (unless it is your left leg and you have an automatic car).

Many patients comment in the first few days that the ‘grinding pain has gone’, even though they have some post-operative pain.

The hip replacement prosthesis (parts) is typically made of stainless steel alloy or titanium, with a smooth bearing surface, most commonly polyethylene (a tough white plastic).

I CONSULT PRIVATELY AT:

Royston Centre,
325 Prospect Rd,
Hastings
(opposite the Racecourse)
p: (06) 873 8806