Total Hip Replacement Surgery
What is hip replacement surgery?
Total hip replacement, also known as hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged or diseased hip joint with a prosthesis. The purpose of this surgery is to relieve pain, improve hip function and restore mobility. It involves removing the damaged parts of the ball (femur) and socket (acetabulum) joint with prosthetic components that are made of metal, plastic or ceramic to simulate the movement of a healthy hip.
This surgery is usually done under a spinal anaesthetic or general anaesthetic for pain relief.
How is the hip replacement performed?
Dr Eardley-Harris is experienced with all surgical approaches to the hip, with each of the approaches having their own benefits and drawbacks. There is no single best option as the optimum approach depends on patient size, build, bone quality, and deformity.
Dr Eardley-Harris has a preference where appropriate for the direct anterior approach. The direct anterior approach for hip replacement has the benefit of being a muscle sparing approach, with reduction in dislocation rate and potentially faster recovery. However, the patient reported outcomes at 6 months between the direct anterior approach and the posterior approach are equivalent provided they are both done well. The anterior approach benefits from allowing x-ray during the operation to confirm that the prosthesis has been placed accurate to the pre-operative plan.
- Infection including superficial and deep
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Damage to the tendons, nerves and blood vessels which are thankfully extremely rare
- Prosthesis issues such as instability or wearing out
- Dislocation
- Unequal leg lengths
- Fracture
- Ongoing pain and stiffness
Dr Eardley-Harris will discuss your specific risks with you during your appointment, as well as clear instructions to follow before and after your operation.
Meet Nathan
He has subspecialty, post-fellowship training in hip preservation surgery and joint replacement, including robotic & technology-assisted surgery across all approaches, including the direct anterior approach. Through compassion, communication, collaboration & competence, Nathan aims to build patient-surgeon trust, helping you understand your condition and the options available to empower you to make better treatment decisions toward your personal recovery goals. With stronger, better-informed patient-surgeon relationships, evidence-based surgical techniques and the latest assistive technology, Nathan aims to provide patients with the best possible care.
Comprehensive Surgical Care
A joint decision between you and Dr Eardley-Harris has been made to proceed with surgery after discussion of the risks and benefits of the procedure.
You may need special equipment to prepare your home for your return.
Comprehensive Surgical Care
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, hip replacement is major surgery and a permanent and last line solution for hip arthritis, only considered when non-surgical interventions are ruled out. Risks of total hip replacement include infections, blood clots in the legs or lungs, damage to the blood vessels and nerve, (including some skin numbness around the scar), prosthesis issues such as loosening or dislocation, unequal leg lengths, and fracture. Thankfully most of these risks are rare, and some are monitored over time so that early intervention can be arranged. The risks more relevant to your own condition & situation will be discussed with you prior to deciding on surgery.
The recommendation is you should not drive for six weeks following a hip replacement. In order to be safe, you must be able to control the pedals properly and be off all strong pain medication that can impair judgment or reaction time. In addition, most insurances have specific clauses about lower limb surgery. We advise you check your exact insurance details prior to returning to driving.
Patients can proceed with bathing after 2 weeks, with the ability to get in a pool for hydrotherapy or swimming at 4 weeks, provided the wound has healed completely.
During the first six weeks following surgery, we recommend limiting activities to simple walking, swimming and stationary cycling along with specific exercises guided by a trained physiotherapist. Some yoga positions that put the hip in extreme range of motion are not recommended at any time after hip replacement, along with bungee jumping or anything where you hang from your feet (i.e gymnastics or aerial silks). If there is a specific sport that you are particularly passionate about, please discuss the instructions regarding this with Dr Eardley-Harris prior to surgery.
Although the average age of hip replacement in Australia is around 67, younger patients may require a hip replacement for a multitude of reasons and still enjoy excellent patient reported outcomes. Dr Eardley-Harris is specifically trained in hip replacement in young patients including teenagers and young adults, with diagnoses such as hip dysplasia, avascular necrosis, Perthes Disease, and slipped capital femoral epiphysis. Hip replacement at a young age does have a higher chance of further surgery in the future, and Dr Eardley-Harris will discuss this with you as well as the measures you can take to minimise your risk during your appointment.
Dr Eardley-Harris is experienced with all surgical approaches to the hip, with each of the three approaches having their own advantages and drawbacks. While there is no single best approach, Dr. Eardley-Harris will discuss the options that best suit your condition, situation, and goals during your appointment. Due to his training and the perceived early benefits, Dr Eardley-Harris has a preference, where appropriate, for the direct anterior approach.
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