Total Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure for replacing the hip joint. This joint is composed of two parts--the hip socket (acetabulum, a cup-shaped bone in the pelvis) and the "ball" or head of the thigh bone (femur).

During the surgical procedure, these two parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with smooth artificial surfaces. The artificial socket is made of high-density plastic, while the artificial ball with its stem is made of a strong stainless metal.

These artificial pieces are implanted into healthy portions of the pelvis and thigh bones and affixed with a bone cement (methyl methacrylate).

Cementless total hip replacement. An alternative hip prosthesis has been developed that does not require cement. This hip has the potential to allow bone to grow into it, and therefore may last longer than the cemented hip. This is an important consideration for the younger patient. In some cases, only one of the two components (socket or stem) may be fixed with cement and the other is cementless. This would be called a "Hybrid" hip prosthesis.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a degenerative hip joint usually begin as pain when bearing weight on the affected hip. You may limp, which is the body's way of reducing the forces that the hip has to deal with. The degeneration will lead to a reduction in the range-of-motion of the affected hip. Bone spurs will usually develop which limit movement of the hip joint. Finally, as the condition becomes worse, the pain may be present all the time and may keep you awake at night.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a degenerative hip joint starts with a complete history and physical examination by your doctor. X-rays will be taken to determine the extent of the degenerative process and suggest a cause for the degeneration. Other tests may be required if there is reason to believe that other conditions are contributing to the degenerative process. MRI Scanning may be necessary to determine whether a vascular necrosis is causing your hip condition. Blood tests may be required to rule out systemic arthritis or infection in the hip.

Complications of Total Hip Replacement
As with all major surgical procedures, complications can occur. The most common complications following hip replacement are:

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Thrombophlebitis
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Infection in the joint
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Dislocation of the joint
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Loosening of the joint

This is not intended to be a complete list of the possible complications, but these are the most common.

Total Hip Replacement At A Glance
The prosthesis for a total hip replacement can be inserted into the femur bone with or without cement. Chronic pain and impairment of daily function of patients with severe hip arthritis are reasons for considering treatment with total hip replacement. Complication and risks of total hip replacement surgery have been identified. Preoperative banking of the blood of patients planning total hip replacement is considered when possible. Physical therapy is an essential part of rehabilitation after a total hip replacement. Patients with artificial joints are recommended to take antibiotics before, during, and after any elective invasive procedures (including dental work).