FAQ
To help answer any of your questions then please refer to the below. If you have any additional question then please get in touch with us via the form on this page.
How long will my hip last?
How long will my hip last?
In time there is a tendency for hip replacements to become loose. The major factor in this process seems to be the wear particles released from the moving components of the new joint ie. from the material of the new ball and socket. In general there is about a 90-95% chance that the hip replacement will continue to function well for 15 years. With the use of new materials such as ceramics it is hoped that these implants will last a good deal longer but only time and further scientific studies will tell.
In time there is a tendency for hip replacements to become loose. The major factor in this process seems to be the wear particles released from the moving components of the new joint ie. from the material of the new ball and socket. In general there is about a 90-95% chance that the hip replacement will continue to function well for 15 years. With the use of new materials such as ceramics it is hoped that these implants will last a good deal longer but only time and further scientific studies will tell.
Would a hip resurfacing be better for me than a total hip replacement?
Would a hip resurfacing be better for me than a total hip replacement?
Hip resurfacing is still a hip replacement in that both the surface of the femoral head and the lining of the socket (acetabulum) is replaced. The major difference is that more of the native bone of the hip is saved in the resurfacing as the femoral neck and the majority of the femoral head is preserved. There is no proven functional difference comparing a hip resurfacing with a more conventional total hip replacement. Recent studies have indicated some adverse reactions to metal on metal articulations. These have been related, in the most part, to particular implants and most hip resurfacings continue to function well. Current recommendations suggest that hip resurfacing prostheses do best in younger (less than 60) active male patients.
Hip resurfacing is still a hip replacement in that both the surface of the femoral head and the lining of the socket (acetabulum) is replaced. The major difference is that more of the native bone of the hip is saved in the resurfacing as the femoral neck and the majority of the femoral head is preserved. There is no proven functional difference comparing a hip resurfacing with a more conventional total hip replacement. Recent studies have indicated some adverse reactions to metal on metal articulations. These have been related, in the most part, to particular implants and most hip resurfacings continue to function well. Current recommendations suggest that hip resurfacing prostheses do best in younger (less than 60) active male patients.
Can I have a minimally invasive hip replacement?
Can I have a minimally invasive hip replacement?
There have been developments in the surgical approaches used for hip replacements. It is possible to perform this procedure through a muscle sparing approach – Direct anterior approach – which has certain advantages in terms of less initial discomfort and earlier return of function. This may have significant initial advantages but in the longer term this has not been shown to change the outcome in terms of functional activity when compared to more conventional techniques.
There have been developments in the surgical approaches used for hip replacements. It is possible to perform this procedure through a muscle sparing approach – Direct anterior approach – which has certain advantages in terms of less initial discomfort and earlier return of function. This may have significant initial advantages but in the longer term this has not been shown to change the outcome in terms of functional activity when compared to more conventional techniques.
Can I do sport afterwards?
Can I do sport afterwards?
In general there are few restrictions following recovery from a hip replacement. For the first six weeks there will be certain restrictions to allow the soft tissues around the hip to heal and to reduce the risk of dislocation. After that patients can get back to the activities they wish although it is probably unwise to partake in a lot of impact exercise. However, sports such as jogging (in moderation), golf, tennis, skiing are all possible
In general there are few restrictions following recovery from a hip replacement. For the first six weeks there will be certain restrictions to allow the soft tissues around the hip to heal and to reduce the risk of dislocation. After that patients can get back to the activities they wish although it is probably unwise to partake in a lot of impact exercise. However, sports such as jogging (in moderation), golf, tennis, skiing are all possible
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