Hip & Pelvis Replacement Surgery

The hip joint is formed by the thigh bone (femur HEAD) and the pelvis (acetabulum). The joint surface is covered by a smooth articular cartilage which acts as a cushion and enables smooth movements of the joint.

Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged cartilage and bone (FEMORAL HEAD AND ACETABULAR CUP) is removed from the hip joint and replaced with artificial components.

WHAT IS HIP ARTHRITIS?

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness and limited movement. Hip arthritis is a common cause of chronic hip pain and disability.

The bone ends in a joint, such as the hip or knee, are covered with a smooth glistening material called cartilage. This material cushions the underlying bone from excessive force or pressure and allows the joint to move easily without pain.

The most common causes that affect the hip are:

• Osteoarthritis: It is characterised by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the joint. As the protective cartilage wears down, the bone ends rub against each other and cause pain in the hip.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease in which the tissue lining the joint (synovium) becomes inflamed, resulting in the production of excessive joint fluid (synovial fluid). This leads to loss of cartilage causing pain and stiffness.
• Traumatic arthritis: This is a type of arthritis resulting from a hip injury or fracture. Such injuries can damage the cartilage and cause hip pain and stiffness over a period of time.
• Avascular Necrosis (AVN) is when the blood supply to the ball of the hip joint is lost, for one of many reasons, and can result in death of the bone with collapse of the hip joint causing severe pain and limp.