Total Hip Replacement

• The procedure is performed as an inpatient basis. This means that the hospital stay is 5 - 7 days. The operation will take approximately 2 hours.
• The incision is approximately 20 - 25cm long and is made over the top of your hip joint. The incision may not be completely flat immediately after surgery. This will settle down a few weeks after surgery.
• The diseased surfaces of the arthritic hip are removed, not the entire hip, and the surfaces are replaced with artificial components. Plastic or metal is used for the socket and metal or ceramic is used for the stem.
• Ligaments and tendons are preserved, so it is usually possible following a primary joint replacement, for walking to start on or about the third day post-operative.

The anaesthetic service is provided by Dr Kerr. Dr Kerr will discuss your anaesthetic and pain control will be discussed at the time of consultation. It is important that you make an appointment to see Dr Kerr approximately 1 week prior to your operation.