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Hip

Hip discomfort is common and affects around 1 in 4 of us during our lifetime.

Patients often present with pain in the groin or outer thigh, initially as a niggle, but can progress to affecting your walking, activities, and even your sleep.

Hip pain can affect us at any age, and naturally there are different solutions to different problems. Surgery isn’t needed for everyone, but if required hip replacements are one of the most successful operations we can do as orthopaedic surgeons.

Robotic Total Hip Replacement

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What is Robotic Joint Replacement

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Hip Bursitis

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Non Operative Techniques

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Hip Rehab Protocols

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Hip Replacement Information

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Hip Faq's

How long do hip replacements last?

Hip replacements are one of the most reliable operations we do.  On average hip replacements will last 20 years in approximately 90% of cases.  As well as ensuring we place the components in the right position, the surfaces that move against each other are chosen to have a low rate of friction and so a low chance of wearing out.

There is no age cut off for a hip replacement, but we do know that the more ‘cycles’ we put through any joint, the quicker that joint will wear out.  Consequently if we put joint replacements in younger more active patients, there will be a higher chance that joint needs changing in the future.  This means that surgery is done at the right time for you, trying to preserve your natural joint if possible, but not offering futile treatment when a joint replacement is your best option. 

Bilateral simultaneous hip replacements are possible, but in selected patients. The most important aspect of this is your general health and your ability to tolerate a longer anaesthetic. The medical complication risk is naturally slightly higher, so this will be discussed with you in detail by the surgical and anaesthetic team.
If you are with a health fund that supports a comprehensive ‘No Gap’ programme (currently Medibank, NIB and HCF), then we can do your joint replacement with no out of pocket costs. If your health fund is not one of the above, then there will be a gap payment but we will be entirely transparent regarding that at your consultation before you decide to proceed. For patients without health finds we do offer a ‘self funded’ package, and we are mindful to reduce your hospital stay to minimise your costs.
After surgery patients are in hospital on average for 24-48 hours. Naturally everyone is different and we all have other health issues, so we will look after you for whatever time period is best for your recovery. The surgical team and medical physician will review you whilst in hospital, and once discharged the wound nurse will see you at 2 weeks. You will need to start physio at 10-14 days. Navi will see you at 4-6 weeks, but we are always available to answer questions or see you sooner if needed.
The classic advice of 6 weeks post surgery is still valid, although many patients get back to driving sooner, especially if the left side is done and you drive an automatic.