When is a hip replacement procedure indicated?

Hip replacement is indicated when hip pain is severe enough to affect daily activity. Signs of declining quality of life include:

• Difficulties doing simple tasks like climbing stairs or getting dressed
• Inability to get restful sleep due to pain
• Inability to participate fully in the activities you enjoy

Before surgery is considered, however, conservative treatment for hip pain, such as medication, walking aids, joint injections and physical therapy, will be indicated first. If these measures don't help relieve stiffness and pain, hip replacement surgery is the next line of treatment.

There are different approaches to hip replacement surgery, including:

Anterior, posterior and lateral hip replacement

During this approach, the joint will be accessed through an incision on the side (lateral), front (anterior) or back (posterior) of the thigh.

Minimally invasive hip replacement

This procedure aims to reduce pain, recovery time and possible complications by utilising minimally invasive incisions and small tools to access the hip joint. This limits surgery on healthy tissues like muscles and blood vessels.

What does hip replacement surgery entail?

During the procedure, an intravenous line will be inserted into your hand or arm. General anaesthesia or epidural will be administered. Dr le Roux will access the hip joint depending on the approach that suits your needs. He will then remove the diseased and damaged bone and cartilage while leaving healthy tissue in place. A prosthesis will be used to replace the removed hip joint.