The posterior approach to total hip replacement is the most commonly used method and allows the surgeon excellent visibility of the joint, more precise placement of implants and is minimally invasive.
The Taperloc femoral hip replacement is one of the best hip replacements used in the world – for any age and activity level. As the most successful titanium hip, the Taperloc femoral component has proven to stay firmly attached even after 28 years, allowing countless people to live life on their terms.
Anterior hip replacement recovery is faster and offers other advantages.
Since they were first used in 1970, ceramic-on-ceramic hip implants have been considered by many orthopedic experts the best option for hip prostheses, in terms of quality and durability. Ceramic-on-ceramic hip implants have lower rates of bone deterioration, loosening or dislocation and, ultimately, revision.
The latest advanced technology, a percutaneously-assisted “SUPERPATH™” approach, involves sparing the surrounding muscles and tendons when performing total hip replacement surgery. This technique builds a traditional hip implant in-place without cutting any muscles or tendons.
The new, head-mounted augmented reality (AR) system projects 3D models of a patient's anatomy, implants, and surgical instruments onto the patient during the procedure. In other words, this gives surgeons “x-ray vision” into the body and improves surgical accuracy.
“On average, hip replacement recovery can take around two to four weeks, but everyone is different,” says Thakkar. It depends on a few factors, including how active you were before your surgery, your age, nutrition, preexisting conditions, and other health and lifestyle factors.
Generally, most hip replacement surgeries occur between the ages of 50 and 80. It's easy to conclude that it's best to get hip surgery as early as possible, but that's not always the right decision. Of course, if the replacement surgery is due to a traumatic injury or deformity, then there is no choice to wait.
Anterior hip replacement is a minimally invasive hip surgery performed to replace the hip joint without cutting through any muscles. It is also referred to as muscle sparing surgery because no muscles are cut enabling a quicker return to normal activity.
Direct anterior total hip replacement is an option for most patients with severe arthritis of the hip. Patients may not be suitable candidates for the direct anterior approach if they have abnormal anatomy (i.e. dysplasia, post-traumatic arthritis) or in cases of morbid obesity (i.e. body mass index greater than 35).
Most patients with osteoarthritis of the hip are candidates for this approach. Less ideal patients for the anterior approach are those with significant deformities of their proximal femur due to previous trauma or dysplasia and previous acetabular fracture patients.
Based on current practice, metal (Titanium) implants are preferred in aged patients, while ceramic implants are being increasingly recommended in younger candidates due to their reliable durability.
Studies show robotic-assisted hip replacement surgery is five times more accurate at matching leg length and twice as precise at achieving optimal hip joint angle than conventional hip replacement surgery. Other benefits include: Reduced blood loss. More natural feeling after surgery.
Research shows that ceramic hip replacements may be preferable to metal or plastics, as ceramic is more durable and may last longer. There are some limitations for ceramic materials, including a risk of fracture during implant. Improvements in modern materials have made fractures less of a concern today.
Recovery takes time
You might be on your feet quickly, but recovery takes time and it's different for everyone. Some people might be doing well after a few weeks, but it usually takes about three months for the initial tissue healing. During that time, you're not to bend more than 90 degrees.
How successful is total hip replacement surgery? The success rate for this surgery is high, with greater than 95% of patients experiencing relief from hip pain. The success rate of hip replacements 10 years after surgery is 90- 95% and at 20 years 80-85%.
The average cost of hip replacement surgery varies dramatically, but estimates often range in the $20,000 to $40,000 range. Bupa, for example, calculated an average surgery cost of $31,820. The Medicare Benefits Scheme fee for hip replacement as of May 2021 is $1,359.00. Individual costs do differ, however.
Expect about one to four days of bed rest immediately after surgery, but physical rehabilitation usually starts the same day as your procedure. The process is slow and steady, barring complications, and each week should bring less pain, better balance and increased mobility.
Getting on and off a toilet
You will need to use the toilet equipment provided for at least the first two months following your operation.
The surgical procedure can be completed within two hours. To perform a hip replacement, the surgeon: Makes an incision over the hip, through the layers of tissue. Removes diseased and damaged bone and cartilage, leaving healthy bone intact.
Most people who have hip replacements notice an improvement in their overall quality of life and mobility. Freedom from pain is often the main benefit of surgery. You should expect to have some pain from the surgery to begin with, but you'll be given medication to help with this.
How long do hip implants last? Generally speaking, a hip replacement prosthesis should remain effective for between 10 and 20 years, and some can last even longer. Results vary according to the type of implant and the age of the patient.
Assuming that estimates from national registries are less likely to be biased, patients and surgeons can expect a hip replacement to last 25 years in around 58% of patients.