Your hip is a ball and socket joint. During hip replacement surgery, the worn out ball and socket are removed and replaced with artificial parts. This procedure is also called total hip arthroplasty.
Mr Parag Jaiswal, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at Highgate Hospital, answers your frequently asked questions about hip replacement surgery.
Why might I need hip replacement surgery?
The most common reason for replacing your hip is if you have severe arthritis in the joint. Hip replacement surgery can relieve pain, improve your movement and lead to a better quality of life.
There are various reasons why your hip joint may become worn and damaged:
Sometimes, you may need a hip replacement if you have broken your hip. A hip fracture is most common in older adults, but I also see younger patients with this injury. Athletes who train hard and increase the intensity of their training over a short period may get a stress fracture. This is a small crack in the bone caused by overuse of the hip joint. If you fracture your hip, it is often possible to fix the break in the bone rather than replacing the joint.
Are there any alternatives to hip replacement surgery?
When you see me for the first time at Highgate Hospital, we have a detailed conversation about any treatment that you have tried so far. We also discuss what type of activities you hope to be able to do.
I always make sure that my patients have tried non-surgical options first. As a young adult hip specialist and joint preservation surgeon, I can recommend various treatments to manage your symptoms before a hip replacement.
You can have joint injections, including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections using your own blood cells to promote healing. Another option may be a keyhole (minimally invasive) procedure called a hip arthroscopy to diagnose and treat problems with the hip joint. I assess whether you are suitable to have a procedure to preserve your own hip rather than a hip replacement.
What does hip replacement surgery involve?
If I recommend a hip replacement and you agree to have this surgery, I explain how to prepare and what to expect. You attend a pre-operative assessment clinic at Highgate Hospital. At this clinic, a nurse assesses your health and decides whether you are fit to have the operation. My Personal Assistant (PA) then telephones you to plan a convenient date for surgery.
For a diagram showing what happens during a hip replacement procedure, please visit my website at: www.londonhipknee.co.uk/hip-replacement
I carry out minimally invasive surgery and use an enhanced recovery programme, which helps you to recover more quickly. This means that you usually only need to stay in hospital for two or three days. When you go home, you normally have two crutches and then progress to one over the next two weeks. You have a follow-up appointment in six weeks and are likely to have stopped using crutches by then.
How successful is hip replacement surgery?
Hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful operations in medicine. The details of every person who has a hip or knee replacement in the UK are entered in the National Joint Registry (NJR). To date, there are over 3 million entries. This is the largest database in the world. It shows that there is a success rate of 90 to 95% for hip replacement surgery.
Why should I book an appointment with Mr Jaiswal?
I specialise in hip and knee surgery. I routinely perform complex hip replacements and revision or re-do surgery if a hip replacement has failed or worn out. Both are highly skilful types of surgery, which not all hip surgeons offer.
I perform minimally invasive hip surgery and offer you an enhanced recovery programme. This means that you have the least possible pain and can recover faster after your surgery.
I have extensive international experience and learnt the latest surgical techniques in Canada and the USA. I use the best possible hip implants (replacement parts), which are tailored to your needs.
Above all, I am an empathetic listener. I answer all your questions about hip replacement surgery and address any concerns that you may have.
For more information about my professional background, please visit my website at: www.londonhipknee.co.uk
To make an appointment with Mr Jaiswal at Highgate Hospital, please call 020 3918 9522 or complete this form.
