A hip replacement is surgery to removed your damaged hip joint and replace it with an artificial joint.
When is a hip replacement needed?
If you are experiencing pain, swelling and stiffness in your hip joint, and your day to day life is affected by it, then you may be considered for a hip replacement, if other treatments such as steroid injections or physiotherapy have not helped.
The most common reasons for hip replacement surgery are:
Where the cartilage that protects the joints breaks down over time and causes pain and inflammation.
- Rheumatoid arthritis
When your immune system attacks the healthy cells lining the joint which causes pain, inflammation and eventually damage to the joint.
- Septic arthritis
A serious infection that can damage the joint.
- Hip fractures
A fall or trauma which causes a small break in the hip. Overtime this may weaken the bone and lead to osteoporosis.
How is a hip replacement performed?
Usually performed under general anaesthetic or a spinal block, your orthopaedic hip surgeon will make an incision in the side of your hip. The damaged femur (ball) will be removed along with any damage to the socket. A prosthetic is fitted and held in place with a special ‘glue’ or ‘cement’.
Minimally invasive hip replacement surgery
Mr Makrides carries out minimally invasive hip replacement surgery which uses 1 or 2 very small incisions as opposed to a large one and special instruments to carry out the procedure. This is a beneficial technique used to reduce damage to the surrounding muscles and tissue which in turn results in a faster recovery time with less pain.
Mako robotic hip replacement surgery
Robotic surgery allows your hip surgeon to make a 3D model of your hip joint prior to surgery. During surgery the robotic arm guides your surgeon within the pre-defined area, using real time tracking feedback making it extremely precise, resulting in a faster recovery time, a shorter stay in hospital, less pain post surgery and a smaller scar.
How do I book a consultation?
You can book either a face to face or virtual consultation with Mr Makrides by contacting his secretary. You can find her details here.
Appointments are available via private medical insurance or paying for yourself. Click here for the most up to date self funding fees, and here for private medical insurance information.
