Hip replacement procedures, also known as total hip arthroplasty, are surgical interventions aimed at relieving pain and restoring function in patients with severe hip joint damage. Similar to knee replacement surgeries, hip replacements involve the removal of damaged or diseased parts of the hip joint and their replacement with artificial components called prosthetics or implants. These procedures are commonly recommended for individuals suffering from conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, hip fractures, or other hip joint disorders causing significant pain and mobility limitations.

Total Hip Replacement (THR):

  • In a total hip replacement surgery, the damaged femoral head (the ball-shaped top of the thigh bone) and the damaged hip socket (acetabulum) are replaced with artificial components.
  • The femoral component consists of a metal stem that is inserted into the femur, topped with a metal or ceramic ball to replicate the femoral head.
  • The acetabular component is usually made of metal or a combination of metal and plastic, and it is implanted into the pelvis to replace the damaged hip socket.

Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement:

  • Minimally invasive techniques involve smaller incisions and less tissue damage compared to traditional hip replacement surgeries.
  • Specialized instruments and surgical approaches allow for accessing the hip joint with minimal disruption to surrounding muscles and tissues.
  • Minimally invasive hip replacements may result in reduced pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recovery times for some patients.

Anterior Hip Replacement:

  • In an anterior hip replacement, the surgical approach involves accessing the hip joint from the front (anterior) of the body, rather than the side or back.
  • This approach may offer advantages such as potentially faster recovery, reduced muscle damage, and decreased risk of dislocation compared to traditional posterior or lateral approaches.
  • Anterior hip replacement requires specialized training and equipment and may not be suitable for all patients or all types of hip conditions.