Female Hip Replacement Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide

What is hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is also known as hip arthroplasty. It is a surgical procedure in which your doctor removes your damaged hip joint and replaces it with a new artificial joint. The hip replacement surgery aims to reduce hip pain and improve hip motility.

Women's unique health challenges and anatomical considerations may lead to variations in recovery and overall effectiveness of hip replacement procedures. For instance there is a higher likelihood of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women which makes hip replacement surgery necessary if the damage worsens with time.

There are different kinds of hip replacement surgeries, including total hip replacement, partial hip replacement, minimally invasive hip replacement, and hip resurfacing. You can learn about these procedures here.

Indications of hip replacement surgery in female

Female hip replacement surgery is often indicated in conditions with damaged hip joints, which is more common in elderly people over 50’s. The conditions include:

1. Osteoarthritis

   • Osteoarthritis is a  degenerative joint disease, in which cartilage of the joint is damaged due to wear and tear condition.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis

   • Chronic autoimmune condition that affects the joints and other body organs. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis have chronically inflamed and damaged joints. 

3. Osteonecrosis

   • Damage to the head of the hip joint due to inadequate blood supply to the hip. It is often resulted from hip dislocation or fracture, in which the head of the hip collapses and deforms.

4. Trauma or tumour

   • Injury or fracture of hip joint due to trauma or disease. Tumour of hip joint which causes severe hip pain and interferes with daily activities.

At times when all conservative treatment options have failed to bring desired outcomes, your doctor will most likely advise you to go for a hip replacement surgery. For personalised advice regarding your underlying disease, you may consult with a specialist from Thomson Medical. Request for an appointment with our specialists today.

Female hip replacement surgery procedure

Hip replacement surgery has a high success rate, and many women experience significant improvements in daily life. Here is what the entire process looks like: 

Before the surgery

• Patient assessment

  • Before the surgery, it is important for your doctor to know your condition. Your doctor will examine your hip to test on the range of motion of your hip and the strength of muscles around your hip joint. Your doctor will order blood tests and imaging tests to ensure your condition is optimal for the surgery.

• Surgery planning 

  • Your orthopaedic surgeon and anesthesiologist will brief you the details of hip replacement surgery, possible risks and preparation prior to surgery. You will need to sign some additional consent forms at this time. The type of anesthesia used depends on your preference and your health condition. The options available for hip replacement surgery include general anaesthesia, regional anaesthesia, or a combination of both.

• Surgical preparation

  • On the day of surgery you will need to fast for at least six hours prior to the procedure. You will first go to the preoperative room to change into a hospital gown. Your nurse will check on your vital signs. After that, your nurse will insert a cannula into your vein to give you fluids, antibiotics and anesthetic medications before and during the surgery. 

Surgical process

• Anesthesia and sterilisation

  • After the anesthesia is administered, the surgical team will clean your skin around the hip joint with an antiseptic solution. A sterile drape will be placed around the surgical site to prevent the risk of infection.

• Incision

  • Your surgeon will make an incision either anterior or posterior or lateral part of your hip. The muscles attached to the hip joint will be split, exposing your hip joint.

• Removal of the damaged joint

  • Your orthopaedic surgeon will then remove and scrape away the damaged portion of your hip joint, leaving a smooth perfectly rounded surface.

• Implantation 

  • A metal cup will then be inserted to serve as a new hip socket. Screws or bone cement will be used to keep the metal cup in place. Next, your surgeon places a long stem into your thigh bone (femur). A metal ball or ceramic ball is then tightly fit on top of the metal stem.

• Closing the incision

  • Once the prosthesis is placed, the incision site is closed with stitches or surgical staples. A bandage is then placed over the surgical wound.

After the surgery is done, the anesthesia medication is stopped. The breathing tube is removed and you will then be taken to a recovery room.

After the surgery

• Monitoring

  • In the recovery room, you will wake up from anesthesia. Your nurse will monitor your symptoms and vital signs. You may experience nausea, vomiting and dizziness.

• Medication

  • Once your symptoms are under control, you will be taken to the hospital room to recover for around one to three days. Your nurse will remove your foley catheter once you are able to ambulate to the restroom. You may also receive intravenous pain medications and antibiotics during your hospital stay. You will be given blood thinning medications and will have to wear a compression device on your legs to prevent blood clots formation. Cold compression will be done on your for pain relief and reducing swelling. An incentive spirometer will be given to prevent the risk of lung infection.

• Physiotherapy

  • During the hospital stay, you will meet your physiotherapist to perform bedside exercises and help you to ambulate out of your bed. Your physiotherapist will assist you to walk with a walker and climb staircases. Recovery exercises are extremely important during this time to improve the strength and range of motion of the hip.

Rehabilitation of female hip replacement surgery

Hip replacement surgery usually has a recovery period of three to six weeks to recover. Tailored physical therapy programs for female patients address unique challenges such as differences in bone density and muscle strength, which can lead to slower recovery.

However, it depends on the health condition, lifestyle, nutritional status and activity levels of each individual. With optimum health condition, healthy diet and lifestyle modification, you will recover within the time range. With the help of rehabilitation exercises, one is able to resume back to normal activities such as work, sports, driving, selfcare soon.

Possible risks of hip replacement surgery

Every surgery comes with its own risks. However, hip replacement surgery is known to have a low rate of complications compared to other major surgeries. There are possible risks related to the surgery itself and the use of anesthesia before the surgery.

Anesthesia-related risks

The risks related to the use of anesthesia depend on the type of anesthesia used during the surgery. The surgery can be performed under general, epidural or spinal anesthesia and often a combination of these. Regional anesthesia has significant advantages over general anesthesia. The risks related to the use of anesthesia during the surgery are:

• Bleeding around the spinal column in epidural and spinal anesthesia

• Infection in the spine in epidural and spinal anesthesia

• Urinary retention in spinal anesthesia

• Drop in blood pressure (hypotension)

• Allergic reaction to the anesthetic medications

• Injury to the soft tissues in airway (e.g tongue, throat, epiglottis, vocal cord) in general

• anesthesia

• Aspiration pneumonia due to aspiration of gastric contents into lungs in general anesthesia

Other common risks

Apart from this, there are many other related to the hip replacement surgery are:

• Post-operative joint pain

• Pulmonary embolism

• Infection at the skin or deep tissues in the hip joint

• Avascular necrosis

• Nerve damage at or near the hip joint- Fracture of hip joint

• Dislocation of implant at the hip joint

• Loosening of implant

• Change in leg length due to contracture of muscles around the hip

An early surgical intervention based on your personal needs can help in speedy recovery to the hip joint and help devise a more effective plan for surgery. Consult with our hip specialists at Thomson Medical today for an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.

Dos and don'ts after hip replacement surgery

Dos

• Use walking aid devices such as crutches, walkers or walking sticks to avoid falls during recovery

• process.

• Wear compression stockings to avoid blood clot formation in the legs

• Put pillows under your knee on the side of your new hip replacement to keep your legs

• comfortable

• Use elevated toilet seat or bedside commode

• Encourage rehabilitation exercises to aid in the recovery process of your hip.

Don'ts

• Do not cross legs

• Do not bend your hip for more than 90 degrees

• Do not lift heavy objects

• Do not have sexual intercourse until six weeks after surgery as it may cause discomfort

• during recovery process of the hip

• Do not play heavy sports activity until six weeks after the surgery

• Do not overdo physical activities without inadequate rest periods in between

Cost of female hip replacement surgery

The cost of hip replacement surgery itself, which includes the surgeon’s fees, anaesthesia, extent of damage and type of facility you’re going for.  

The overall costs of a private vs. a public hospital in Singapore vary as follows:

• Private Hospital: SGD 35,000 to  SGD 50,000.

• Public Hospital (Subsidised): SGD 10,000 to SGD 18,000

The information provided above is intended for general reference only. Actual costs may vary based on individual medical conditions. For detailed fee information and payment options, please consult a specialist by requesting an appointment with Thomson Medical today.

FAQ

What is the success rate of hip replacement surgery?

The success rate for total hip replacement is high, with over 90% of patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved mobility after the surgery. The majority of patients express a high level of satisfaction with the outcomes of the surgery, and the occurrence of complications is uncommon.

Will I need another hip replacement in the future?

There is a possibility that you may need a second surgery, known as a revision hip replacement, if the implant wears out over time. Thanks to recent advancements, many patients can expect to avoid revision surgery for 15 to 20 years or even longer.

Can I drive after total hip replacement?

Yes, you can typically drive again after about 4-6 weeks after surgery. But it is recommended to always check with your doctor before resuming driving.

How long does it take to recover from hip replacement?

Hip replacement recovery time typically takes 6 to 12 weeks for most daily activities, but full recovery and optimal strength can take up to a year, depending on the individual’s health, age, and rehabilitation progress.

What is the lifespan of a hip replacement?

A hip replacement typically lasts 15 to 20 years, but advancements in materials and techniques mean some may function well for longer. Longevity depends on factors such as activity levels, weight, and overall health. Regular follow-ups are recommended to monitor its condition.

Can a hip replacement ever feel completely normal?

While many people experience significant pain relief and improved mobility after a hip replacement, the joint may not feel entirely "normal." Some individuals might notice minor stiffness, differences in movement, or occasional discomfort, especially during specific activities. However, with time and rehabilitation, most patients adapt well and regain a near-normal feeling in their hip.

How many hip replacements can a person have in their lifetime?

A person can have multiple hip replacements in their lifetime, typically one initial replacement and one or more revision surgeries if the implant wears out or complications arise. The number depends on factors such as age at the first surgery, activity level, overall health, and advancements in surgical techniques and implant durability.

How long does it take to walk normally after hip surgery?

Most patients can walk with support, such as crutches or a walker, within a day or two after hip surgery. Walking without aids typically begins within 2 to 6 weeks, depending on individual recovery progress. Full, normal walking may take 10 to 12 weeks, aided by physical therapy and rehabilitation.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist by requesting an appointment with Thomson Medical today.