Total Hip Replacement (THR)

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Total Hip Replacement (THR), also called Total Hip Arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the damaged hip joint is replaced with artificial components (prosthesis). The goal is to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve the patient’s quality of life.

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the femoral head (ball) and the acetabulum of the pelvis (socket). In THR, both parts of the joint are replaced with artificial implants.

Indications

Total hip replacement is commonly performed for:

  • Severe osteoarthritis of the hip
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Avascular necrosis (AVN) of femoral head
  • Fracture neck of femur in elderly patients
  • Post-traumatic arthritis
  • Severe hip pain and stiffness affecting daily activities
Components of a Hip Implant

A typical Hip prosthesis has 4 main  components:

  1. Acetabular Component (Cup)
    • Metal cup placed in the acetabulum of the pelvis.
  2. Liner
    • Usually made of polyethylene, ceramic, or metal, placed inside the cup.
  3. Femoral Stem
    • Metal stem inserted into the femur.
  4. Femoral Head
    • Ball component attached to the stem that fits into the cup.
Types of Hip Replacement
  1. Cemented Hip Replacement
    • Bone cement used to fix the implant.
  2. Uncemented (Press-fit) Hip Replacement
    • Implant designed to allow bone growth into the surface.
  3. Hybrid Hip Replacement
    • Combination of cemented and uncemented components.
Basic Surgical Steps
  • Incision around the hip joint.
  • Removal of damaged femoral head.
  • Preparation of the acetabulum and insertion of the cup.
  • Preparation of the femur and insertion of femoral stem.
  • Placement of femoral head into the cup to recreate the joint.
  • Joint stability and leg length checked, then wound closed.
Advantages
  • Excellent pain relief
  • Improved mobility and walking ability
  • Correction of deformity
  • Long-lasting results (15–20 years or more)
Recovery
  • Hospital stay: 3–5 days
  • Walking: usually begins within 24–48 hours after surgery
  • Physiotherapy: essential for strengthening and mobility
  • Return to daily activities: about 6–12 weeks
Possible Complications
  • Infection
  • Hip dislocation
  • Blood clots (DVT)
  • Implant loosening over time
  • Limb length difference (rare)

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    Total Hip Replacement is one of the most effective surgeries in orthopaedics, providing significant pain relief and improved function for patients with severe hip joint disease.