1 banner__22 banner_13 banner_34 banner_45

Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeries

Total Hip Replacement Surgery (THR)

Hip replacement is a procedure in which the surgeon removes damaged or diseased parts of the patient's hip joint and replaces them with new artificial parts. The operation itself is called hip arthroplasty . Arthroplasty comes from two Greek words, arthros or joint and plassein , "to form or shape." It is a type of surgery done to replace or reconstruct a joint. The artificial joint itself is called a prosthesis. Hip prostheses may be made of metal, ceramic, plastic, or various combinations of these materials.


Hip arthroplasty has two primary purposes: pain relief and improved functioning of the hip joint.

Pain relief


Joint pain interferes with a person's quality of life in many ways. If the pain in the hip area is chronic, affecting the person even when he or she is resting, it can lead to depression and other emotional disturbances. Severe chronic pain also strains a person's relationships with family members, employer, and workplace colleagues; it is now recognized to be as the most common underlying cause of suicide in the United States.

In most cases, however, pain in the hip joint is a gradual development. Typically, the patient finds that their hip begins to ache when they are exercising vigorously, walking, or standing for a long time. They may cut back on athletic activities only to find that they are starting to limp when they walk and that sitting down is also becoming uncomfortable. Many patients then begin to have trouble driving, sitting through a concert or movie, or working at a desk without pain. It is usually at this point, when a person's ability to live independently is threatened, that he or she considers hip replacement surgery.

Joint function

Restoration of joint function is the other major purpose of hip replacement surgery. The hip joint is one of the most active joints in the human body, designed for many different types of movement. It consists of the head (top) of the femur (thighbone), which is shaped like a ball; and a part of the pelvic bone called the acetabulum, which looks like a hollow or socket. In a healthy hip joint, a layer of cartilage lies between the head of the femur and the acetabulum. The cartilage keeps the bony surfaces from grinding against each other, and allows the head of the femur to rotate or swivel in different directions inside the socket formed by the acetabulum. It is this range of motion, as well as the hip's ability to support the weight of the upper body, that is gradually lost when the hip joint deteriorates. The prostheses that are used in hip replacement surgery are intended to restore as much of the functioning of to the hip joint as possible. The level of function in the hip after the surgery depends in part on the reason for the damage to the joint.

Disorders and conditions that may lead to the need for hip replacement surgery include:

  • Osteoarthritis (OA). Osteoarthritis is a disorder in which the cartilage in the joints of the body gradually breaks down, allowing the surfaces of the bones to rub directly and wear against each other. Eventually the patient experiences swelling, pain, inflammation, and increasing loss of mobility. OA most often affects appears most often in adults over age 45, and is thought to result from a combination of wear and tear on the joint, lifestyle, and genetic factors. As of 2003, OA is the most common cause of joint damage requiring hip replacement.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that begins earlier in life than OA and affects the whole body. Women are three times as likely as men to develop RA. Its symptoms are caused by the immune system's attacks on the body's own cells and tissues. Patients with RA often suffer intense pain even when they are not putting weight on the affected joints. One man described his pain as " … like a hot poker that's stuck from this hip right through to the other one."
  • Trauma. Damage to the hip joint from a fall, automobile accident, or workplace or athletic injury may trigger the process of cartilage breakdown in the hip joint.
  • Avascular necrosis. Avascular necrosis, which is also called osteonecrosis, is a disorder caused by the loss of blood supply to bone tissue. Bone starved for blood supply becomes weak and eventually collapses. The most common reasons for loss of blood supply include trauma, the use of steroid medications, certain blood disorders, and alcoholism. Avascular necrosis often affects the top of the femur that forms part of the hip joint. It develops most frequently in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Ankylosing spondylitis is a less common form of arthritis that primarily affects the bones in the spine and pelvis. These bones gradually fuse together when the body replaces inflamed tendons or ligaments with new bone instead of elastic connective tissue. AS typically develops in the patient's late teens or early twenties, with three times as many men affected as women.

Hip replacement surgery is a relatively recent procedure that had to wait for the invention of plastics and other synthetic materials to make reliable prostheses that could withstand years of wear. The first successful total hip replacement was performed in 1962 by Sir John Charnley (1911–1982), a British orthopedic surgeon who designed a device that is still known as a Charnley prosthesis. Charnley used a stainless steel ball mounted on a stem that was inserted into the patient's thighbone to replace the femoral head. A high-density polyethylene socket was fitted into the acetabular side of the joint. Both parts of the Charnley prosthesis were secured to their respective sides of the joint with an acrylic polymer cement. More recent developments include the use of cobalt chrome alloys or ceramic materials in place of stainless steel, as well as methods for holding the prosthesis in place without cement.

As of 2003, there are three major types of hip replacement surgery performed in the United States: a standard procedure for hip replacement; a newer technique known as minimally invasive surgery (MIS), pioneered in Chicago in February 2001; and revision surgery, which is done to replace a loosened or damaged prosthesis.


Standard hip replacement surgery

A standard hip replacement operation takes 1-1/2–3 hours. The patient may be given a choice of general, spinal, or epidural anesthesia. An epidural anesthesia, which is injected into the space around the spinal cord to block sensation in the lower body, causes less blood loss and also lowers the risk of blood clots or breathing problems after surgery. After the patient is anesthetized, the surgeon makes an incision 8–12 in (20–30 cm) long down the side of the patient's upper thigh. The surgeon may then choose to enter the joint itself from the side, back, or front. The back approach is the most common. The ligaments and muscles under the skin are then separated.

Once inside the joint, the surgeon separates the head of the femur from the acetabulum and removes the head with a saw. The surgeon uses a power drill and a special reamer to remove the cartilage from the acetabulum and shape it to accept the acetabular part of the prosthesis. This part of the new prosthesis is a curved piece of metal lined with plastic or ceramic.

After selecting the correct size for the patient, the surgeon inserts the acetabular component. If the new joint is to be cemented, the surgeon will attach the component to the bone with a type of epoxy. Otherwise the metal plate will be held in place by screws or by the tightness of the fit itself.

To replace the femoral head, the surgeon first drills a hollow inside the thighbone to accept a stem for the femoral component. The stem may be cemented in place or held in place by the tightness of the fit. A metal or ceramic ball to replace the head of the femur is then attached to the stem.

After the prosthesis is in place, an x ray is taken to verify that it is correctly positioned. The incision is then washed with saline solution as a safeguard against infection. The sutures used to close the deeper layers of tissue are made of a material that the body eventually absorbs, while the uppermost layer of skin is closed with metal surgical staples. The staples are removed 10–14 days after surgery.

Finally, a large triangular pillow known as a Charnley pillow is placed between the patient's ankles to prevent dislocation of the hip during the first few days after surgery.


Minimally invasive hip replacement surgery

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a new technique of hip replacement introduced in 2001. Instead of making one long incision, the surgeon uses two 2-inch (5 cm) incisions or one 3.5-1/2-inch (9 cm) incision. Using newly designed smaller implements, the surgeon removes the damaged bone and inserts the parts of the new prosthesis. MIS hip replacement takes only an hour and a half; there is less bleeding and the patient can leave the hospital the next day. As of 2002, however, obese patients or those with very weak bones are not considered for MIS.


Revision surgery

Revision surgery is most commonly performed to replace a prosthesis that no longer fits or functions well because the bone in which it is implanted has deteriorated with age or disease. Revision surgery is a much more complicated process than first-time hip replacement; it sometimes requires a specialized prosthesis as well as bone grafts from the patient's pelvis, and its results are not usually as good. On the other hand, some patients have had as many as three revision operations with satisfactory results.



Diagnostic tests

The doctor may also order one or more specialized tests, depending on the known or suspected causes of the pain:

  • Aspiration. Aspiration is a procedure in which fluid is withdrawn from the joint by a needle and sent to a laboratory for analysis. It is done to check for infection in the joint.
  • Arthrogram. An arthrogram is a special type of x ray in which a contrast dye is injected into the hip to outline the cavity surrounding the joint.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI uses a large magnet, radio waves, and a computer to generate images of the head and back. It is helpful in diagnosing avascular necrosis.
  • Computed tomography (CAT) scan. A CAT scan is another specialized type of x ray that uses computers to generate three-dimensional images of the hip joint. It is most often used to evaluate the severity of avascular necrosis and to obtain a more accurate picture of malformed or unusually shaped joints.

Bone densitometry test. This test measures the density or strength of the patient's bones. It does not require injections; the patient lies flat on a padded table while an imager passes overhead. This test is most often given to patients at risk for osteoporosis or other disorders that affect bone density.

Aftercare following hip replacement surgery begins while the patient is still in the hospital. Most patients will remain there for five to 10 days after the operation. During this period, the patient will be given fluids and antibiotic medications intravenously to prevent infection. Medications for pain will be given every three to four hours, or through a device known as a PCA (patient-controlled anesthesia). The PCA is a small pump that delivers a dose of medication into the IV when the patient pushes a button. To get the lungs back to normal functioning, a respiratory therapist will ask the patient to cough several times a day or breathe into blow bottles.

Aftercare during the hospital stay is also intended to lower the risk of a venous thromboembolism (VTE), or blood clot in the deep veins of the leg. Prevention of VTE involves medications to thin the blood; exercises for the feet and ankles while lying in bed; and wearing thromboembolic deterrent (TED) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT) stockings. TED stockings are made of nylon (usually white) and may be knee-length or thigh-length; they help to reduce the risk of a blood clot forming in the leg vein by putting mild pressure on the veins. TED stockings are worn for two to six weeks after surgery.

Physical therapy is also begun during the patient's hospital stay, often on the second day after the operation. The physical therapist will introduce the patient to using a walker or crutches and explain how to manage such activities as getting out of bed or showering without dislocating the new prosthesis. In addition to increasing the patient's level of physical activity each day, the physical therapist will help the patient select special equipment for recovery at home. Commonly recommended devices include a reacher for picking up objects without bending too far; a sock cone and special shoehorn; and bathing equipment.

Following discharge from the hospital , the patient may go to a skilled nursing facility, rehabilitation center, or directly home. Ongoing physical therapy is the most important part of recovery for the first The physical therapist will monitor the patient's progress, as well as suggest specific exercises to improve strength and range of motion. After the home visits, the patient is encouraged to take up other forms of physical activity in addition to the exercises; swimming, walking, and pedaling a stationary bicycle are all good ways to speed recovery. The patient may take a mild medication for pain (usually aspirin or ibuprofen) 30–45 minutes before an exercise session if needed.

Most patients can start driving six to eight weeks after the operation and return to work full time after eight to 10 weeks, depending on the amount and type of physical exertion their jobs requires. Some patients arrange to work on a part-time basis until their normal level of energy returns.

Hip replacement surgery involves both short- and long-term risks.


Short-term risks

The most common risks associated with hip replacement are as follows:

  • Dislocation of the new prosthesis. Dislocation is most likely to occur in the first 10–12 weeks after surgery. It is a risk because the ball and socket in the prosthesis are smaller than the parts of the natural joint, and can move out of place if the patient places the hip in certain positions. The three major rules for avoiding dislocation are: Do not cross the legs when lying, sitting, or standing; never lean forward past a 90-degree angle at the waist; do not roll the legs inward toward each other—keep the feet pointed forward or turned slightly outward.
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT). There is some risk (about 1.5% in the United States) of a clot developing in the deep vein of the leg after hip replacement surgery because the blood supply to the leg is cut off by a tourniquet during the operation. The blood-thinning medications and TED stockings used after surgery are intended to minimize the risk of DVT.
  • Infection. The risk of infection is minimized by storing autologous blood for transfusion and administering intravenous antibiotics after surgery. Infections occur in fewer than 1% of hip replacement operations.
  • Injury to the nerves that govern sensation in the leg. This problem usually resolves over time.

Long-term risks

The long-term risks of hip replacement surgery include:

  • Inflammation related to wear and tear on the prosthesis. Tiny particles of debris from the prosthesis can cause inflammation in the hip joint and lead eventually to dissolution and loss of bone. This condition is known as osteolysis.
  • Heterotopic bone. Heterotopic bone is bone that develops in the space between the femur and the pelvis after hip replacement surgery. It can cause stiffness and pain, and may have to be removed surgically. The cause is not completely understood as of 2002 but is thought to be a reaction to the trauma of the operation. In the United States, patients are usually given indomethacin (Indocin) to prevent this process; in Germany, surgeons are using postoperative radiation treatments together with Indocin.
  • Changed length of leg. Some patients find that the operated leg remains slightly longer than the other leg even after recovery. This problem does not interfere with mobility and can usually be helped by an orthotic shoe insert.

Loosening or damage to the prosthesis itself. This development is treated with revision surgery.


Dr. Aditya Sharma
Dr. Aman Dua
Dr. Anandh Balasubramaniam
Dr. Anil Raheja
Dr. Ashish Jain
Dr. Ashok Rajgopal
Dr. Chetan Giroti
Dr. Dattatreya Mohapatra
Dr. Dharmesh Khatri
Dr. Dinshaw Pardiwala
Dr. Gyan Sagar Tucker
Dr. H.S Chhabra
Dr. Harsh Bhargava
Dr. Harsh Priyadarshi
Dr. Harshavardhan K Hegde
Dr. Hemant Sharma
Dr. Hitesh Garg
Dr. I.P.S Oberoi
Dr. (Col) IP Arora
Dr. Jayant Arora
Dr. K.K Mishra
Dr. Kaushal C. Malhan
Dr Kesavan A .R .
Dr. Rajeev Verma
Dr. Rajesh K. Verma
Dr. Rakesh Rajput
Dr. Ravi Chandra Kelkar
Dr. S. K. S. Marya
Dr. Sanjay Gupta
Dr. Sanjay Sarup
Dr. Shreyash M Gajjar
Dr. Subhash Jangid
Dr. Surya Bhan
Dr. V.G Rajan
Dr. Vinay S. Joshi
Dr. Vivek Logani
Dr. Yash Gulati
Dr. A.N Malaviya
Dr. Bhushan Naraini
Dr. Deepak Raina
Dr. Hanume Gowda
Dr. Mallinath .
Dr. Nitiraj Oberoi
