Treatment
Hip Replacement Surgery in Sydney
A hip replacement involves removing the arthritic ball-and-socket hip joint, and restoring this with a prosthetic hip. There are many technical aspects of hip replacement, and Dr Farey will recommend an implant that recreates your anatomy.
There are two main approaches to hip replacement: the anterior approach and the posterior approach.
Both are safe ways to access the hip joint, and Dr Farey performs both.
Anterior Approach
AKA 'through the front'
The anterior approach has a slightly faster recovery, and is protective against post-operative hip joint dislocation. The downsides are that many patients will have a patch of numbness from the incision on the outside of the thigh, and that the chances of having a wound problem are also higher than the posterior approach. This is because the incision is closer to the groin and adjacent to the waistline.
Posterior Approach
AKA 'through the back'
The posterior approach gives full access to the femur and pelvis, and is preferred for complex cases. Most revisions will be performed posteriorly for this reason.
Dr Farey will recommend an approach based on your X-rays, your medical history, and your risk profile for certain complications.
Dr Farey performs robotic-assisted joint replacement.
Robotic total hip replacement allows for advanced three-dimensional planning of your surgery, and precise placement of the hip joint socket. This lowers the risk of post-operative hip joint dislocation. Dr Farey uses the MAKO-Stryker robotic navigation system. This requires a pre-operative CT scan of the pelvis and the legs.
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Frequently asked questions
Hip replacement is recommended for arthritis that causes pain on a daily basis, and prevents you from doing the activities you want to do.
Hip arthritis usually presents with pain, felt in the groin, and stiffness, impairing activities such as walking, getting in and out of a car, or bending down to tie your shoes.
It can be hard for many patients to decide on the right time for hip replacement. This decision is best made by the patient after consultation with his or her doctor.
Hip arthritis usually presents with pain, felt in the groin, and stiffness, impairing activities such as walking, getting in and out of a car, or bending down to tie your shoes.
It can be hard for many patients to decide on the right time for hip replacement. This decision is best made by the patient after consultation with his or her doctor.