Who benefits
Hip replacement is one of the most reliable operations in orthopaedics. It is offered for osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, some hip fractures and arthritis following injury or childhood hip disease, once pain limits walking, sleep and daily activity and non-surgical measures have been tried.
The operation
The worn ball and socket are replaced with a metal or ceramic ball on a stem in the thigh bone, and a cup in the pelvis lined with polyethylene or ceramic. The procedure takes around ninety minutes. Dr East selects the approach and implant to suit each patient’s anatomy, age and activity.
Recovery
Most patients walk with support on the day of surgery or the next morning and go home within two to three nights. Crutches are usually needed for two to four weeks. Driving returns at about six weeks, and by three months most people are back to walking, cycling, swimming and golf. Modern hip replacements commonly last twenty years or more.