1. What is Hip Replacement?
Hip replacement (also called hip arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure where a damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial implant (prosthesis).
It’s usually done when the hip joint is severely damaged by arthritis, fractures, or other conditions and pain cannot be managed with medicines, physiotherapy, or lifestyle changes.

🔹 Types of Hip Replacement
1.Total Hip Replacement (THR)
. Both the acetabulum (hip socket) and the femoral head (ball part of thigh bone) are replaced.
. Most common type.
2.Partial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty)
. Only the femoral head (ball) is replaced.
. Often used in hip fractures in elderly patients.
3.Revision Hip Replacement
. Done if the first hip replacement fails, loosens, or gets infected.
4.Robotic-Assisted Hip Replacement
. A newer technique where a robotic system (like Mako robotic system) helps the surgeon plan and position the implant with extreme accuracy.

🔹 Materials Used in Implants
1.Metal on Plastic → (metal femoral head + plastic socket). Most common.
2.Ceramic on Plastic → smoother, less wear.
3.Ceramic on Ceramic → very durable, but rare cracking risk.
4.Metal on Metal → less common today due to complications.
🔹 Why Hip Replacement is Done (Indications)
1.Osteoarthritis (most common cause).
2.Rheumatoid arthritis.
3.Avascular necrosis (bone death due to poor blood supply).
4.Hip fracture.
5.Developmental hip disorders.
🔹 Benefits
1.Relief from chronic hip pain.
2.Improved mobility & walking ability.
3.Better quality of life (sitting, climbing stairs, sleeping comfortably).

🔹 Risks & Complications
1.Infection.
2.Blood clots.
3.Dislocation of hip joint.
4.Implant loosening or wear over years.
5.Nerve or blood vessel injury (rare).

🔹 Recovery Timeline
1.Hospital stay: 3–5 days (sometimes same-day discharge with robotic methods).
2.Walking with support: 1–2 days after surgery.
3.Return to normal activities: 6–12 weeks.
4.Full recovery: 6 months to 1 year.