What is Total Hip Replacement Surgery?
During a total hip replacement surgery, Dr. Wood removes the head and neck of your femur and the damaged acetabulum. A ball and socket made of metal and plastic replaces your hip joint. This is called the implant or prosthesis. It has a ball at one end, and a stem at the other end. The stem is put in the end of the femur and a ball of steel and plastic fits into the socket of your pelvis. These parts move smoothly together to let you move easily. The operation usually lasts 1 – 1 1/2 hours.
Dr. Wood performs cemented or un-cemented total hip replacement surgery through a posterior approach. Artificial joint components may be made of medical-grade metal, plastic, ceramic or some combination of these materials. Dr. Wood will decide on the type of joint to be used, matching your needs with a suitable type of material. The type of component you receive generally depends on your age, gender, bone quality and lifestyle. It is known that different types of implants perform better or with less complications in those categories, and Dr. Wood aims to give you the best performing hip with least complication for each individual patient. The right operation the first time!
The complexity of your surgery may require special techniques or implants and may vary. The indication for hip replacement is pain and stiffness significantly affecting the patients quality of life having failed non-operative measures.
Success Rate & Risks
Patients undergoing a Total Hip Replacement surgery have a 95% success rate, restoring mobility and function without complication. Patients of uncomplicated procedures could expect a hip replacement to last at least 10 years and much longer if cared for.
Despite everyone’s best efforts things can go wrong. Five percent of patients can develop complications. However, complications are minimized by Dr. Wood through prevention and recognising certain at risk patients.
Dr. Wood performs over 150 Hip Surgeries per year.
