#Xray of normal hip replacement full

This involves removing the damaged surfaces of the bones inside the hip joint and replacing them with a metal surface.Īn advantage to this approach is that it removes less bone. There is an alternative type of surgery to hip replacement, known as hip resurfacing. There have been recent cases of metal-on-metal (MoM) replacements wearing quicker than would be expected, causing deterioration in the bone and tissue around the hip. There are also concerns that they could leak traces of metal into the bloodstream. It is estimated that around 1 in 10 people with an artificial hip will require revision surgery at a later date. Read more about the risks of a hip replacement.Ī modern artificial hip joint is designed to last for at least 15 years, but there is always the risk that the artificial hip joint can wear out or go wrong in some way before this time, meaning that further surgery is required to repair or replace the joint. However, the risk of serious complications is low – estimated to be less than 1 in a 100.

injuries to the blood vessels or nerves.

Risks of hip replacement surgeryĬomplications of a hip replacement can include: The rehabilitation process after surgery can be a demanding time and requires commitment. For example, you should be able to ride a bike but it is unlikely that you would be able to play a game of rugby safely (although, as with most things, there are always exceptions to this rule). However, it is important to have realistic expectations about what the operation can achieve. Most people experience a significant reduction in pain and, to a lesser extent, improvement in their range of movement. Since its introduction in the 1960s, hip replacement surgery has proved to be one of the most effective types of surgery in modern medical history.

#Xray of normal hip replacement full

Most people are able to resume normal activities within 2 to 3 months but it can take up to a year before you experience the full benefits of your new hip. You may also be enrolled on an exercise programme that is designed to help you regain and then improve the use of your new hip joint. Recovering from hip replacement surgeryįor the first 4 to 6 weeks after the operation you will need a walking aid, such as crutches, to help support you. Read more about how a hip replacement is performed. The surgery usually takes around 60-90 minutes to complete. The surgeon makes an incision into the hip, removes the damaged hip joint and then replaces it with an artificial joint that is a metal alloy or, in some cases, ceramic. What happens during hip replacement surgery?Ī hip replacement can be carried out under a general anaesthetic (where you are asleep during the procedure) or an epidural (where the lower body is numbed). However, a hip replacement may occasionally be performed in younger people. Many of the conditions treated with a hip replacement are age-related so hip replacements are usually carried out in older adults aged between 60 and 80. hip fracture – if a hip joint becomes severely damaged during a fall or similar accident it may be necessary to replace it.rheumatoid arthritis – this is caused by the immune system (the body’s defence against infection) mistakenly attacking the lining of the joint, resulting in pain and stiffness.osteoarthritis – so-called “wear and tear arthritis”, where the cartilage inside a hip joint becomes worn away, leading to the bones rubbing against each other.Some common reasons why a hip joint can become damaged include: It might be necessary for you to have a hip replacement if one (or both) of your hip joints becomes damaged and causes you persistent pain or problems with everyday activities such as walking, driving and getting dressed. The main purpose of the hip joints is to support the upper body when a person is standing, walking and running, and to help with certain movements, such as bending and stretching. Joints are also surrounded by a type of tissue called cartilage that is designed to help support the joints and prevent bones from rubbing against each other.

These ligaments are lubricated with fluid to reduce friction. In a healthy hip joint, the bones are connected to each other with bands of tissue known as ligaments. The hip joint is one of the largest joints in the human body and is what is known as a “ball and socket joint”. A hip replacement is a common type of surgery where a damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial one (known as a prosthesis).