Osteoarthritis of the hip
Clinical examination and X ray will determine the diagnosis.
Time consuming procedures are not required.
Total hip arthroplasty is indicated for end stage arthritis associated with pain and disfunction, when non-operative measures have failed.
A hip replacement surgery is performed under general or regional anesthesia as determined by you and the anesthesiologist.
Surgery takes about 90 to 120 minutes.
Several surgical approaches are available.
The minimal invasive surgery (MIS) has the antvantage that trauma to soft tissues and muscles are reduced allowing a faster recovery.
Middle and long term results of MIS surgery and „traditional“ approaches are similar.
A total hip arthroplasty is made of an acetabular component and a femoral stem.
Bearing surfaces composed of a femoral head and an acetablar socket are available in polyethylene, metal or ceramic.
The fixation of the implants can be accomplished either with special bone cement or with implants that allow bone to grow in.
Hospital stay is between 10 and 15 days.
You will walk with one or two crutches for three weeks in MIS surgery and for six weeks in traditional surgery.
A physical therapist will teach you how to get in and out of bed, how to walk and get up and down stairs.
X ray and example of an implanted total hip arthoplasty.
general info OA
more info OA of the knee (total and unicompartmental replacement)
