Dr James McAllister
Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon
Primary Robotic Knee, Primary hip, periprosthetic joint infection, Revision knee and hip replacement
Dr Rian Smit
Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon
Shoulder, Hip and Sports injuries
Total hip replacement
The operation of the century: total hip replacement– Prof ID Learmonth
A hip replacement is a common operation done to relieve pain and stiffness of the hip. The operation has a 95% success rate. The operation involves removing the ball of the femur and replacing it with a prosthetic ball on the end of a stem, which is fixed into the femoral marrow cavity. The cup is replaced with a metal backed cup that has a plastic liner that articulates with the ball. The replacement takes about 90 minutes and a typical stay in hospital is 1 -2 days. Although this surgery carries some risk, we believe the benefit far outweighs the risk.
Revision hip replacement
As a total hip replacement is a mechanical implant, wear over time in inevitable. Modern replacements can last in excess of 20 years but when they do wear out, a partial or whole replacement becomes necessary.The results of revision hip replacement are extremely good, but the operation more complex and the risk of complications is higher. Due to the complexity of the operation the stay in hospital is slightly longer.