Joint replacement surgery is commonly required to treat  joints which have worn out due to  osteoarthritis, or other forms of joint disease including rheumatoid arthritis. In these procedures the damaged joint surface is removed and replaced with artificial surfaces normally made from metal (chromium cobalt alloy, titanium), plastic (high density polyethelene) or ceramic which act as alternate bearing surfaces for the damaged joint.

These operations are major procedures which require the patient to be in hospital for 4 to 5 days and followed by a significant period of rehabilitation. The surgeon has several ways of approaching the procedure for replacement and the specifics for the procedure will be covered at the time of assessment and booking of surgery.

 

Occasionally blood transfusions are required; if you have some concerns raise this with your surgeon during consultation.

 

Hip Replacement
An incision (cut) is made on the side of the thigh to allow the surgeon access to the hip joint. The diseased and damaged parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with smooth, artificial metal ‘ball’ and plastic ‘socket’ parts.