Conditions / Hips / Adults

Hip Replacement Surgery For Sydney Patients

A hip replacement is the process by which your natural hip joint is replaced by an artificial joint made of metal implants.

It is a very successful operation for relieving pain and restoring function. Articular cartilage is the smooth lining at the ends of bones that contacts each other and allow smooth movement in our joints. The hip joint is made up of the ball (top end of the femur bone) and socket (part of our pelvis). When we lose articular cartilage, the raw bone is exposed and comes into contact with one another. This process causes pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced function of our joint. Many disease processes can cause this, and it is grouped under the broad heading of arthritis.

The aim of hip replacement surgery is to replace the bone ends contacting each other with artificial material (prosthesis) so that the patient no longer experiences pain. A hip replacement involves a replacement of the top end of the femur bone with a titanium implant and ceramic or metal ball. The socket (titanium shell) also has a plastic or ceramic lining. Hence, the material contacting each other is either ceramic on ceramic or metal on plastic. This creates the new artificial joint.

There is a number of different ways of entering the hip to perform the same operation. Dr Shidiak has extensive experience in all three most common approaches (direct anterior, posterior and anterolateral). Dr Shidiak’s preference is to use the minimally invasive direct anterior approach technique wherever possible (see “anterior approach hip”). This approach does not cut any muscles and allows quicker recovery in the early post-operative period.

Recovery time

Generally speaking hip replacement is “major” surgery and requires approximately five days in hospital followed by physiotherapy and rehabilitation. Most patients are driving a car at six weeks and walking independently.

Get In Touch With A Reputable Hip Replacement Surgeon In Sydney

For more information and a preliminary appointment to review your case and discuss your options, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Louis Shidiak’s clinic in Parramatta, or alternatively our other three clinics in Sydney. We will be pleased to answer any questions you may have about hip replacement surgery, knee replacements, sports injuries and more. Book in for a consultation with a hip replacement surgeon at your convenience.