Anatomy / Ailment detail

The hip comprises the joint between the upper end of the femur and the pelvis or acetabulum. Either or all of these parts of the hip may be affected by arthritis to various degrees. The procedure of joint replacement includes removing the affected joint surfaces and replacing them with metal components usually with a high-density polyethylene-bearing surface between the metal components. The metal components are usually (but not always in special circumstances) cemented to the bone. Using new techniques often joint replacement may be undertaken using minimal access surgery utilising much smaller incisions than previously utilised. This assists with rapid recovery and return of function.

Who Needs it / Who Doesn't

The symptomatic arthritic patients with pain, limp, deformity or a restricted function are those which should consider hip replacement. The symptoms include hip pain, or alternately pain is commonly experienced in the buttock, groin, lower thigh or in the knee joint. Alternately joint replacement may be considered for patients with restricted function and walking ability and increasing stiffness or deformity of the hip. Alternately in some patients the pain may only be moderate and stiffness, deformity, instability may be the principal complaint. Function may be limited in that walking may be restricted or activities such as golf or bowling may be difficult. These problems may also promote patients to consider hip replacement.

Illustration of the normal hip           

The three types of total hip replacement.
  i) An uncemented total hip replacement,
  ii) A hybrid total hip replacement with a cemented acetabular component and uncemented femoral component,
  iii) A cemented total hip replacement with cemented acetabulum and femoral step components.

How to arrange an appointment with Mr. Johnson

Your first appointment is usually arranged with Mr Johnson at the Bristol Nuffield Hospital at St Mary's. It is a modern well-equipped hospital with 36 private bedrooms and two operating theatres, and offers a full range of services.

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