
The normal hip functions as a "ball-and-socket" joint. The femoral head (ball) articulates with the acetabulum (socket), allowing smooth range of motion in multiple planes. Any condition that affects either of these structures can lead to deterioration of the joint. This, in turn, can lead to deformity, pain, and loss of function. Hip pain has many causes. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause in the western world. Avascular necrosis, post-traumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are some of the causes of arthritic hip pain. Total Hip Replacement surgery may be an excellent solution to these conditions.
Once the problem has been identified as coming from a worn out hip joint, physiotherapy, painkillers and even a steroid injection may be tried, to relieve the pain. Often though if the pain is severe, and the hip joint is very worn out then there may be no choice to replace the joint, and undergo a hip replacement.
Total hip replacement (THR) – also called total hip arthroplasty (THA), is one of the most successful orthopaedic procedures performed worldwide today. For patients with hip pain due to a variety of conditions, THR can relieve pain, can restore function, and can improve quality of life. It is estimated that over 300,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the United States alone.
In general, over 90 percent of THAs are working successfully, are pain-free, and are without complication 10 to 15 years postoperatively. Some patients continue with their original implant even after 25 years of use.
Once you have decided to undergo a Total Hip Replacement, you are carefully screened for any pre-existing medical conditions that may need to be treated prior to surgery. Some further investigations such as blood tests, chest X-ray and Electrocardiogram (ECG) may be performed. Sometimes you will need to see another specialist to make sure everything is safe before we proceed.
The hip replacement operation is discussed in detail so that you and your family have realistic expectations regarding the risks as well as the benefits of the procedure, and understand the operation and recovery process.
You will be sent to a physiotherapist pre-operatively to learn what to expect from the surgery, how to walk with a stick or frame and what exercises to perform following the procedure.
You will be advised to stop most blood thinning medications and TCM herbs two weeks prior to the surgery.
Before the Hip Replacement procedure, the Anaesthetist may offer you either General Anaesthesia – where you go to sleep for the entire procedure, or a Spinal Anaesthetic – where an injection is given to your spine which numbs the legs for several hours. It is important not to eat or drink eight hours before the procedure, as this may interfere with the anaesthetic and your hip replacement operation postponed.
"In my practice, as an Arthroplasty Fellowship Trained Surgeon, I take the time to carefully plan the operation and determine what size implants are required and exactly where they will be placed during the procedure. I am also a MAKOPLASTY certified surgeon and can use a Surgical Robot Arm to guide my operation with an excellent and reproducible degree of accuracy." - Dr. Alan Cheung
In a Total Hip Replacement Surgery (also known as Total Hip Arthroplasty), the damaged cartilage and bone from the hip is removed and replaced with special implants:
The femoral head is removed and replaced with a metal stem that can be cemented into the shaft of the femur. For younger patients with good quality bone, sometimes an uncemented stem is impacted into the femoral shaft. A metal or ceramic ball is placed on the metal stem to replace the femoral head. The worn cartilage of the hip socket (acetabulum) is removed and replaced with a metal shell. A plastic or ceramic liner is placed with this shell. This allows a smooth, low friction articulation with the new femoral head. "During the Hip Replacement operation itself, I aim to use the smallest possible incision (minimally invasive surgery) to perform the surgery. This is not always possible in complex or revision surgery or when the patient is very large. I aim to handle the tissues with care and minimise blood loss, to reduce post-operative pain and allow a swift recovery." - Dr. Alan Cheung"
Typically Hip Replacement surgery takes an hour, with several more hours of observation in the Recovery ward before the patient is discharged to the General Ward.
"In my practice I aim to stand the patient up immediately following surgery and have them walking as soon as possible. This is possible because I use modern techniques of ‘enhanced recovery’ and ‘multimodal analgesia’ as well as a local anaesthesia infiltration (LIA) technique during surgery to minimise pain. I also work closely with my anaesthetic and physiotherapy team to assess each individual patient in order to achieve good pain relief and a smooth recovery." - Dr. Alan Cheung
Typically a patient is discharged either home, or to a rehabilitation unit for more physiotherapy, on or before Day 3 of surgery.
It is important that the physiotherapy instructions are followed carefully and exercises are performed, in order to get the best out of the Hip Replacement surgery.
Normally you may drive 6 weeks following a total hip replacement. You are advised not to fly long distances until at least 6 weeks following surgery.
Depending upon their occupation, most patients can return to work between 6-12 weeks following Hip Replacement surgery.
In summary, Total Hip Replacement can be an excellent solution to hip pain and vastly improve the quality of life of a patient with a worn out hip joint.
Hip mobility is crucial not just for sports activities, but everyday routines as well. If one experiences hip pain, mobility is likely affected and consulting an orthopaedic centre will be key to finding out the issue and how to fix it. At the International Orthopaedic Clinic, we are skilled in a variety of hip pain treatments, including total hip replacement.
#05-24 Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
38 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329563
Tel | : | 6253 7111 |
Fax | : | 6253 2773 |
: | (65) 8838 7111 |
Operating Hours:
Monday to Friday - 9.00 AM – 5.00 PM |
Saturday - 9.00 AM – 1.00 PM |
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays |