Total hip replacement (THR) is one of the most successful of all medical interventions. It is used to treat hip arthritis from any cause and aims to relieve pain and restore mobility and function. THR is usually performed under a general or spinal anaesthetic. The first successful THR was developed in the UK by John Charnley, and his prosthesis is still used by some today.
Types of Hip replacement
Total Hip replacements can be classified in a number of ways:
-according to the attachment of the THR components (stem and cup) to bone:
- with cement (cemented)
- without cement (uncemented or press- fit).
-according to the articulating material that the ball and socket are made of:
- metal, oxinium or ceramic (ball) or metal, plastic or ceramic(socket).
Types of THR stem:
–conventional sized stems, which are used in the majority of patients.
–mini sized stems, which are used in some younger patients with good bone quality to preserve as much bone as possible to aid future re-do procedures that are likely to be required in the lifetime of these patients.
Mini-incision surgery and rapid recovery
We routinely perform THR through a mini-incision, unless this is contraindicated for any reason, minimising muscle damage and leaving a small cosmetically very acceptable scar. We routinely get patients standing and taking some steps on the first day post-surgery and walking by the second day to help minimise any complications that result from prolonged inactivity. We view THR surgery as a “pit-stop” to relieve pain and increase mobility in an otherwise well individual.
Further information
Click here to view a very helpful guide to Total Hip Replacement produced by Arthritis Research UK.