HIP TREATMENTS
Hip Treatments
Total Hip Replacement
A total hip replacement is a surgical procedure where the hip joint is replaced by an artificial ball and socket type joint. The components can either be completely cemented or uncemented or hybrid, where one component (usually the cup) is uncemented and the other (usually the stem) is cemented, and all have their different indications.
This procedure has been acclaimed as the “operation of the century” due to its effectiveness in treating the symptoms of arthritis and also its cost-effectiveness in the long term.
It is classified as major surgery and also has possible risks and complications which will be discussed at the time of your consultation.
Post-operative rehabilitation is also of great importance and therefore you can expect to have a period of physiotherapy in order to strengthen the muscles around the hip and improve your walking.
Hip Joint Injections
This refers to an injection directly into the joint cavity. As it is a very deep joint, this is usually performed in theatres and with the assistance of a X-ray machine.
This procedure is usually performed to confirm the exact area of the patient’s symptoms, as in some occasions pain that is felt around the hip (groin) may actually be arising elsewhere and not within the hip joint itself.
The injection is a combination of local anaesthetic and a steroid. No other forms anaesthetic is usually required and the patient can go home the same day.
Trochanteric Bursa Injection
Injection to the trochanteric bursa is a procedure that is usually performed in the outpatient clinic. A combination of local anaesthetic and steroid is injected around the greater trochanter, or bony prominence, on the side of the hip.