Hip replacement surgery

You may need a hip replacement at any age, most people who have hip replacement surgery are aged between 60 and 80. However, teenagers with juvenile arthritis may also have hip replacement surgery. Your doctor may recommend it if you have:
• A hip fracture
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Septic arthritis
• Unusual bone growth

Your doctor may recommend hip replacement if:

• You find it difficult carrying out everyday tasks
• You have depression due to pain or reduced mobility
• Your quality of life is impacted, including your sleeping
• You’re unable to work or socialise

Hip replacement can ease pain and allow you to become more active again. However, it may not be suitable for you if the risks of surgery outweigh the benefits or you’re unable to cope with the recovery afterwards.

Before you decide to go ahead with hip replacement surgery, you should discuss the pros and cons with your doctor and research what’s involved before, during and after the operation.

As well as the potential benefits of reducing pain, increasing mobility and improving your quality of life, you should consider that:

• As with all major surgery, there are some risks of complications
• You may not be able to take part in certain sports or perform some movements, such as squatting
• You will be less mobile for the first few weeks after the operation so you may need some help around the house and with errands
• Your new hip joint may eventually need revision surgery after 10-20 years

Your doctor will usually recommend hip replacement surgery only after you’ve tried other treatments that haven’t worked for you.
Non-surgical treatments include:

• Pain or anti-inflammatory medication
• Physiotherapy — your physiotherapist might also recommend changes to specific movements you make to ease your symptoms
• Steroid injections
• Walking supports, such as a cane
• Weight loss

When determining whether you are suitable for hip replacement surgery, your doctor will also consider risk factors for complications after surgery, such as your age, weight and whether you have diabetes.
If you are healthy and in good physical condition, the chances of any given complication are low, between 0-3%. However, if you have several risk factors, the chances of complications rise to around 20%.

Your surgery will be performed by your consultant surgeon.

Your care team will try to get you out of bed and mobile as soon as possible. This may even be the same day as your operation. You’ll be able to walk with crutches and the support of your physiotherapist while in hospital. You’ll be able to go home when your care team are happy with your recovery and that you’ll be able to move around safely at home.

You should be able to get back to normal daily activities around six weeks after your operation. However, it’s important to remember that everyone recovers differently and it’ll depend on your age, fitness level before the operation, the condition of the hip and your normal activities that you do.

Many people are able to drive again after six to eight weeks, but check with your surgeon first. You should also check with your motor insurance company, as many won’t insure you for a number of weeks after an operation.

Getting back to work after a hip operation depends on the type of job you have. For desk-based jobs you should be able to return after six to eight weeks, while for manual labour jobs it could be around 12 weeks.

You should be able to get back to most daily activities including light chores after six weeks, although you should avoid any heavy lifting or strenuous activity for around three months after your operation.

There’s no set time when it’s safe to have sex. You should treat it like any other physical activity during your recovery and gradually build up to it and only if it feels comfortable. Make sure you follow your physiotherapists advice about what movements to avoid.

You’ll return to hospital a few weeks after your operation for a follow-up appointment to check your recovery progress.

Most hip replacements last for at least 15 years. This means if you’re younger, you may need another operation to replace the worn joint. A repeat operation is more complex, with an increased risk of complications, and isn’t suitable for everyone.

Your consultant will discuss how to enjoy your usual activities safely. You may be advised to avoid some activities, eg extreme sports that risk over-extending or dislocating your new hip. Try not to put stress on your hip by avoiding sitting cross legged, sitting very low or rotating your hip.

You can help your recovery by making sure you’re as fit as you can be before surgery and strengthening the muscles around your hip. After surgery, make sure you continue your physiotherapists exercises at home to help you get the most from your new hip.

Speak to your consultant or GP before flying to find out what’s right for you. It’s important to note that your chance of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) increases if you fly after recent surgery.

Airlines have their own regulations about passengers flying after surgery, so make sure you check beforehand.

Hip implants can be made from metal, plastic or ceramic components. The most common combination is a metal ball and plastic socket. Alternatively, and often used if you’re younger or more active, you can have a ceramic ball with a ceramic or plastic socket.

You can usually bend down 12 weeks after having a hip replacement. However, you should avoid bending your hip more than 90 degrees.