Hip Replacement

There are many types of hip replacements using different artificial joints that can be held place with or without the use of bone cement, depending on the type. Your hip surgeon will discuss these options with you.

The bearing surface (new ball and socket articulation) of your prosthesis can contain plastic (polyethylene), metal or ceramic, and used in different combinations including:

• metal-on-plastic - metal ball with a plastic socket. The most widely used combination.
• ceramic-on-plastic - ceramic ball with a plastic socket
• ceramic-on-ceramic – ceramic ball and socket. Ceramic is hard-wearing and often used in younger and more active patients.

Your artificial joint components can be held in place in the following ways:

• cemented (fixed) - your prosthesis is secured to healthy bone using acrylic cement.
• uncemented (pressed into place) – the surfaces of your prosthesis are often treated and roughened to encourage your bone to grow onto it and keep it in place. This method is long lasting and becoming more common, especially in younger, more active patients.
• hybrid - where only one piece is cemented in place. 

You may need a hip replacement if your hip joint becomes worn, damaged or diseased over time. If your cartilage wears away the underlying bones are exposed and rub together, and this can make your joint very painful and stiff, and moving around difficult. 

If you have persistent hip pain that interferes with your daily life and activities you may be a candidate for hip replacement surgery. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss the best options of treatment and whether you should consider a hip replacement.

Initially, you might visit your GP if you are experiencing persistent pain in your hip or if you are finding it difficult to do every day activities because of pain, stiffness or loss of mobility. They may carry out a physical examination, and request X rays and blood tests to diagnose your problem. Your GP may recommend non-surgical treatments such as non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or refer you to a hip surgeon to discuss other options including a hip replacement operation. You may be asked to lose weight if you are overweight.

The main conditions that lead to hip replacement surgery are:

• osteoarthritis – also called "wear and tear arthritis" where the cartilage inside your hip joint becomes worn away and causes your bones to rub against each other. 
• rheumatoid arthritis- an immune system condition where your body mistakenly attacks the lining of your hip joint whilst trying to defend it against infection.
• hip fracture - a fall or accident can severely damage your hip joint.

Longevity of a hip replacement is difficult to quantify, as it depends on many factors such as age, weight and level of activity. However, every hip replacement done in the UK is registered on a database called the National Joint registry (NJR). From the NJR we have a rough idea about how long hip replacements can last for.

Broadly speaking, replacement hips are designed to last for at least 15 years. In some patients, hip replacement will last 20 to 30 years. For others, an artificial hip may wear and need replacing sooner.

As hip replacements tend to be very successful operations, most people experience a dramatic decease in pain and stiffness, amongst other symptoms. Following your surgery and your recovery time, both your mobility and range of motion in your hip joint will increase. Activities like walking, climbing stairs and physical exercise should also be much easier.

As with any surgery there are potential risks or complications of hip surgery, although they are rare. They include:

• Bleeding
• Infections
• Fracture
• Nerve/blood vessel injury
• Pain
• Scar
• Stiffness
• Muscle Weakness/Limp
• Issues with the prosthesis, including it loosening, wearing out or dislocating
• Need for further surgery
• Leg length discrepancies
• Bone fractures (broken bones) around the prosthesis
• Blood clots in your legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism)
• Medical complications-Heart attack, stroke

If you decide to pay for your treatment, Ramsay offer an all-inclusive Total Care package, where a single one-off payment at a pre-agreed price, delivering direct access to all the treatment you need for complete reassurance. You can also spread the cost of your treatment with finance options available.

A hip replacement may be covered by your medical insurance policy. We advise you to check directly with your insurance provider and get written confirmation before commencing treatment.

At Ramsay, we understand that your hip replacement journey continues after you leave hospital and your recovery is an important element of the care we provide to help you to return to normal life as soon as possible.

You will need to stay in hospital with us until we are confident you are ready to go home, this is typically one to two days.

One of our experienced physiotherapists will visit you after your operation and then regularly whilst you are in hospital. They will give you some exercises to do to speed up your hip replacement recovery by building the movement and strength in your hip, so it’s important to follow their advice. You will probably need to use crutches or walking sticks to help you walk for a few weeks. It’s likely you’ll have regular appointments with your physiotherapist once you’ve left hospital to continue your recovery work. 

Your hip consultant will want to see you after your treatment to see how you’re getting and we will book a follow up appointment so that they can check on your progress. Our staff are also available to answer any questions about your hip replacement recovery and what to expect over the weeks after your operation.

Most people make a good hip replacement recovery and benefit from less pain and being able to move about better. 

Your hip replacement recovery time is individual to you. Factors such as age, general health, strength of your muscles, the condition of your other joints and, whether you keep to your post-operative advice, may have an effect on your recovery.

Most people can perform their normal activities after three months. You may not be able to take part in high-impact sports or those with a risk of falling. Your hip surgeon will discuss with you, the activities that are likely to be possible for you.

One of the major advantages of going private for your hip replacement is that your appointments and treatment times are arranged to suit you and without any unnecessary waiting. This is especially important if you are in a lot of pain and don’t want to wait for surgery or if you want to avoid particular dates for surgery.

You will be treated by a highly regarded and experienced orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in hips who will discuss the best prosthesis for you and how it will be held in place based on your individual needs.

Additional benefits of being a private patient include:

• a choice of consultant, where possible
• rapid access to expert opinion on the best treatment for you
• single bedded rooms with en suite bathroom and flat screen TV
• choice from our a la carte menu as an inpatient
• unlimited aftercare

Ramsay Health Care has a wealth of experience in delivering high quality hip replacements that are carried out by experienced consultants throughout its private hospitals.

We aim to provide rapid and convenient appointments for the diagnosis and treatment of your hip problem and, to offer you the best care throughout your hip replacement journey, so that you can get on with living your life without pain and restricted mobility.