Osteoarthritis of the hip is a degenerative joint disease that occurs when the cartilage that cushions the hip joint gradually wears away. This leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the hip. It is the most common form of arthritis affecting the hip and typically develops with age, although it can also result from previous injuries or excessive wear and tear on the joint.
Common symptoms of hip osteoarthritis may include:
Treatment options for osteoarthritis of the hip can range from lifestyle changes, such as weight management and exercise, to medications for pain relief. In more severe cases, surgical interventions like hip replacement or hip resurfacing may be recommended.
If you are experiencing symptoms of hip osteoarthritis, consult with a healthcare professional to discuss the best treatment options for your situation.
A hip replacement is a surgical procedure that involves removing a damaged or worn-out hip joint and replacing it with an artificial joint, known as a prosthesis. This operation is recommended for patients suffering from severe hip pain or limited mobility, most commonly from osteoarthritis of the hip.
The aim of the procedure is to relieve pain, improve function, and enhance the patient’s quality of life. Most hip replacements are performed under spinal and general anaesthesia. Recovery can vary, but many patients begin walking with assistance from the first day of surgery and can return to normal activities within a few months.
If you have persistent hip pain that interferes with daily activities, a hip replacement may be a suitable option to relieve your pain.
Hip resurfacing is a surgical procedure that involves reshaping and capping the damaged surfaces of the hip joint rather than replacing the entire joint. During the procedure, the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) is trimmed and covered with a metal cap, while the acetabulum (the socket) is fitted with a metal lining. This technique is often considered for younger, more active patients with hip osteoarthritis.
The primary aim of hip resurfacing is to relieve pain and improve mobility while preserving more of the natural bone compared to traditional hip replacement. This can be beneficial for patients who wish to maintain a higher level of physical activity post-surgery.
Recovery from hip resurfacing is generally similar to that of a hip replacement, with many patients able to walk with assistance shortly after surgery. If you're experiencing significant hip pain, discussing the possibility of hip resurfacing with your surgeon may be worthwhile.
Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common degenerative joint condition characterised by the breakdown of cartilage—the smooth tissue that cushions the ends of bones in the knee joint. This wear and tear can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased mobility.
Common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis may include:
Osteoarthritis can develop due to various factors, including age, obesity, previous knee injuries, and genetic predisposition.
Management options for knee osteoarthritis may include lifestyle changes, such as weight loss and exercise, physical therapy, pain-relief medications, bracing and in some cases, surgical interventions like knee replacement.
If you're experiencing symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to explore the most appropriate treatment options for your condition.
A knee replacement is a surgical procedure where a damaged or arthritic knee joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis. This surgery is commonly recommended for individuals suffering from severe knee pain, stiffness, or decreased mobility, most commonly from osteoarthritis of the knee.
The goal of the procedure is to alleviate pain, restore function, and improve the patient’s overall quality of life. The procedure is typically performed under spinal and general anaesthesia. Most patients start walking with assistance shortly after surgery, and many can resume normal activities within a few months.
If you experience chronic knee pain that impacts your daily life, a knee replacement may be an option worth exploring with your surgeon.
A partial knee replacement, also known as unicompartmental knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that involves replacing only the damaged part of the knee joint, rather than the entire joint. This procedure is typically recommended for patients with localised osteoarthritis or damage in one compartment of the knee—either the medial (inner), lateral (outer), or patellofemoral (kneecap) compartment.
The key benefits of a partial knee replacement include:
Most patients can begin walking with assistance shortly after the surgery, and many can return to normal activities within a few months, depending on individual circumstances.
If you have knee pain limited to one area and are considering your treatment options, discussing partial knee replacement with your surgeon may be beneficial.
This journey can vary based on individual circumstances and the type of joint replacement surgery. Your specific plan will be communicated to you by the healthcare team to ensure a smooth recovery.
Post-operatively, rehabilitation starts as soon as practically possible, the key to a successful recovery is to engage in the rehab process and the sooner the better. Many post-operative complications are reduced with early mobilisation.
Please do not hesitate to contact Mr Baker if you have any further questions.
