Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery is the process where your surgeon removes damaged sections of the hip joint, and replaces them with an artificial joint. The purpose of this operation is to improve the function of the hip, remove pain, and restore the functionality.
Hip replacement is a very common orthopaedic procedure which typically carries a high success rate.
Because it is major surgery, hip replacements are usually performed if non-surgical treatments and lifestyle modifications are no longer providing adequate mobility and pain relief.
WHEN DO YOU NEED A HIP REPLACEMENT?
If you’ve exhausted all non-surgical options to restore mobility, and reduce pain in the hip, then you might be a suitable candidate for hip replacement surgery.
Following an examination and consultation with your surgeon, it will be decided if surgery will be the best option for hip restoration in the long term.
As it is generally a final treatment option, as not every sufferer of a chronic hip condition (such as injury or arthritis) will be recommended for a hip replacement.
However, in patients for whom other treatments have proven unsuccessful, a hip replacement can be a life-changing procedure that restores lost function and allows you to live a full and active life.
WHAT TYPE OF HIP REPLACEMENT DO YOU NEED?
There are three major surgical procedures, and three surgical approaches available to your orthopaedic surgeon. You might be a suitable candidate for a total hip replacement (the most common), a partial hip replacement, or hip resurfacing.
Once the surgeon is clear on what type of hip replacement you will get, the surgeon will determine which approach will be best. This is normally based on the impact of your injury, and the expertise of the surgeon.
The three common surgical approaches available are: anterior, posterior and lateral hip replacement surgery.
Anterior hip replacement is a surgical approach where the surgeon accesses the hip joint from the front, with less invasive cutting of muscles and tendons.
Posterior hip replacement is the traditional approach to perform hip replacement surgery, and requires the resection of muscles and tendons to access the hip joint. Muscles and tendons are repaired and reattached at the completion of the surgery.
Lateral hip replacement surgery is a surgical approach where the surgeon makes an incision on the side of the hip, lifting muscles and tendons out of the way.
Choosing the most appropriate and safest approach to surgery depends upon a number of factors such as your physical condition, body shape and the anatomy of your hip joint.
Posterior (rear) and lateral (side) are the most common methods of hip replacement surgery.
Anterior (front) is increasingly popular as it avoids cutting through muscles, which reduces your hospital stay and recovery time.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR SURGERY?
Medical advances in hip surgery has come a long way, and a successful hip replacement could last a lifetime, making it unlikely that further surgery will be required.
Patients may get 15-20 years from their hip implant, but a combination of improved surgical equipment, and techniques, has reduced the recovery time and extended the lifespan of the new hip.
HOW MUCH DOES A HIP REPLACEMENT COST?
There are a lot of variables in determining the cost of a specific surgery for a specific person. The complexity of your hip replacement procedure, the specific prosthetic used, the hospital in which the surgery takes place, which surgeon you see, the anaesthetist, the surgical assistant, radiology, and many other factors have a bearing on the overall cost.
Your surgeon will provide you with cost estimates for your hip replacement surgery, including specific item numbers, at your consultation. These details can be used to check your exact coverage with your health fund.
A number of major health funds provide tools to help you estimate the cost of your hip replacement procedure. Although these tools will not provide an exact quote, they can help you decide on a course of action and plan your hip replacement journey accordingly.
HCF – Hip replacement cost calculator
BUPA – Hip replacement surgery costs
Medibank – Information on hip replacement costs
Surgeons at Orthopaedics SA offer a wide range of billing types and payment plans to accommodate for various budgets. Our surgeons accept major health funds and many participate in gap payment schemes. Speak to us about choosing a hip surgeon and payment plan that is best for your unique situation.
Next Steps
Find the best hip surgeon for you:
Book a consultation with an Orthopaedics SA hip specialist to determine the best course of treatment for your hip condition.
View all Adelaide hip specialists
View surgeons who perform anterior hip replacements
Talk to us
phone – (08) 8267 8267
email – info@orthosa.com.au
