Total Hip Replacement Surgery: How It Is Done?

Total hip replacement surgery is a common procedure designed to relieve pain and restore function in severely damaged hip joints. Most often recommended for patients with arthritis, fractures, or other hip-related conditions, the surgery replaces the damaged parts of the hip with artificial components. Here’s a clear breakdown of how the surgery is done from one of the best hip replacement surgeons in Nairobi — Dr Ankit Dave.

Before Surgery

Preparation for the surgery starts weeks ahead. You will undergo medical evaluations, blood tests, and imaging like X-rays or MRIs to assess the hip’s condition. Your surgeons will review medications, health issues, and outline necessary adjustments, like stopping blood thinners. You may also begin physical therapy to strengthen muscles, and patients are often advised to make home modifications, such as installing safety rails and raising seating.

Day of Surgery

Upon arrival, you will be checked in, prepped, and given anesthesia. Most total hip replacements are done either under general anesthesia (where you’ll sleep through the surgery) or spinal anesthesia (numbing from the waist down). An anesthesiologist will discuss the best option based on your health.

The Surgical Procedure

1. Incision: Your surgeon will make an incision to access the hip joint. The incision’s location depends on the surgical approach — posterior (behind the hip), lateral (side of the hip), or anterior (front of the hip). Each approach has its pros and cons, and the choice depends on your surgeon’s preference, patient anatomy, and specific case details.
2. Removing the Damaged Bone and Cartilage: Using surgical instruments, your surgeon will carefully remove the damaged femoral head (the ball at the top of the thighbone) and clean out the damaged cartilage from the hip socket.
3. Implanting the Prosthesis: The new hip joint typically has two main parts: a ball and a socket. The socket is inserted into the pelvic bone, often secured with screws or bone cement. A metal or ceramic ball is then attached to a stem that fits inside the femur (thighbone). Some implants are designed to encourage the bone to grow into them naturally over time (“press-fit”), while others are cemented in place.
4. Checking Movement and Alignment: Once the prosthetic components are in place, your surgeon will test the hip’s range of motion to ensure it moves smoothly and securely.
5. Closing the Incision: Your surgeon will close the layers of tissue and skin using stitches or staples. A sterile dressing will be applied to protect the wound.

After Surgery

Recovery starts immediately. You will be moved to a recovery room, where your vital signs will be closely monitored. Pain management begins right away, typically with a combination of medications’ explains Dr Ankit Dave, one of the best hip replacement surgeons in Nairobi.

Physical therapy usually starts within a day. Therapists will help you learn safe ways to sit, stand, walk, and move to protect the new hip. In many cases, patients also use walkers or crutches initially. Hospital stay will vary but they are often between one to three days.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Full recovery can take several months. You will have to follow detailed rehabilitation programs that focus on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and gradually increasing walking distances. Driving, returning to work, and resuming normal activities will depend on progress and your surgeon’s recommendations.

Certain activities — like running or jumping — may be discouraged to extend the life of the implant. Good news is that most artificial hips last 15–20 years, sometimes longer with modern materials and careful use.

Risks and Complications

While hip replacement surgery is highly successful for most, risks exist. These include infection, blood clots, dislocation of the new joint, leg length discrepancy, and wear and tear on the artificial joint over time. Surgeons take extensive measures to minimize these risks, including using antibiotics, blood thinners, and precise surgical techniques.

Final Thoughts

Total hip replacement surgery offers a life-changing option for those suffering from chronic hip pain and limited mobility. With modern surgical techniques, high-quality implants, and focused rehabilitation, most patients return to active, pain-free lives. However, success hinges on careful preparation, following recovery guidelines, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle post-surgery.

If you’re considering hip replacement, speak with the best orthopaedic surgeon in Nairobi to understand if it’s the right way forward for you, the procedure, the options available to you, and what to expect during your personal recovery journey.