Body > Hip Surgery > Total Hip Replacement

Total Hip Replacement

*Total Hip Replacements can be performed using different surgical techniques, and can require different precautions. This information should be used as a guide only and you should follow the advice given to you directly by your Surgeon or Physiotherapist. 

A hip replacement is usually performed using the combination of a spinal anaesthetic, sometimes a light general anaesthetic and a nerve block. You will be required to stay in hospital for 2-5 days following your procedure and your rehabilitation and exercises will start as soon as you wake up.

A hip replacement is performed to remove cartilage, labrum and bone that has become rough, torn or overgrown, often due to Osteoarthritis. This surgery is also performed on people after a significant hip injury, like a neck of femur fracture, where the hip joint no longer functions properly.  It is a surgery used predominantly for the relief of pain.

A 10-15cm incision is made either at the front, back or side of the hip, depending on the technique used by the surgeon. Through this incision the surgeon can dislocate the old hip, and cut out the damaged end of the ball, and smooth out the roughened socket. The stem and ball are then inserted, and sometimes cemented done into the thigh bone. The new socket cup is fitted into the smoothed-out socket bone and can be held in place with screws that go into the bone. The two components are then placed together, and the muscles and skin incisions stitched up. 

In some cases, only one part of the hip joint may need replacing (either the ball or socket), this is called a partial hip replacement.

Photo by Jan-Otto/iStock / Getty Images
Photo by Jan-Otto/iStock / Getty Images

Precautions

*Different surgical procedures require different precautions. These are to be used as a general guide only. Please following the precautions set out for you by your Surgeon and Physiotherapist. It is very important to follow these precautions to prevent your new hip from dislocating.

  • Do not bend your hips or knees further than 90 degrees
  • Do not cross your legs or ankles when sitting
  • Do not lift your leg to put on socks or shoes
  • Don’t sit in, or get up from low chairs
  • Use a pillow between your legs when sitting or lying

Exercises

  • After your hip replacement it is very important to perform exercises and walking to regain your mobility, and later strength.
  • Only perform exercises taught to you by your physiotherapist or surgeon.
  • Exercises should be performed 3-5 times a day.  It may be helpful to take pain medication 30-40 minutes prior to exercise (as prescribed by your doctor).
  • A physiotherapist will normally see you the day of/after your surgery on the ward.
  • Ensure your exercises are not too painful or cause more swelling. If you have any concerns, contact your physiotherapist via phone immediately.

Swelling

  • You may have considerable swelling around your hip and groin after surgery.
  • If this swelling persists it may impede healing and hip movement.
  • This can be treated by elevation, and by applying ice for 20 minutes following exercises.
  • Ice (crushed, cubes, frozen peas, gel pack etc.) should be wrapped in a towel and placed directly on the hip.

Walking and Crutches

  • You will be asked stand and potentially walk the day of/after your surgery, with the assistance of your nurse and physiotherapist.
  • You will be asked to bring your own crutches or frame prior to admission by your surgeon.
  • Make sure that you stay active, attempting to walk on the leg as much as tolerated after the operation, ensuring the hip does not swell afterwards.

Sleeping

  • Sleeping can be uncomfortable for some time after your hip operation.
  • You may be asked to use a triangle pillow between your legs by your surgeon and you will need to sleep on your back.