Total Hip Replacement (THR)

Total Hip Replacement (THR)

Total Hip Replacement (THR) is an established surgical procedure that is used to relieve the pain and restore mobility of patients whose hip joints are damaged . To understand it, we must understand how the hip joint works.

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball is the rounded head of the femur (thigh bone), and the socket (acetabulum) forms part of the pelvis. In a healthy hip, smooth cartilage covers both surfaces, allowing the ball to glide smoothly in the socket, enabling movements in all directions without friction.

With an abnormal hip, the worn cartilage no longer permits smooth movement. As the damaged bones rub together, they become uneven (rough), and the resulting pain and difficulty in walking are experienced. Total Hip Replacement consists of changing the worn-out socket with a durable plastic or polyethylene cup or a ceramic socket with or without a metal shell and the femoral head with a chromium-cobalt alloy metal ball or a ceramic material that is attached to a metal stem of titanium or chromium cobalt metal alloy.

What Is Total Hip Replacement ?

In total hip replacement surgery, the damaged socket is replaced by a sturdy cup made from materials such as polyethylene (high-grade plastic), ceramic, or a ceramic component with a metal shell. The worn femoral head is swapped for a ball crafted from metal or ceramic, attached to a strong stem made of alloys like titanium or chromium-cobalt. These new components restore the smooth action of the joint.

Methods of Fixing the Implant

There are two main ways the implant is secured:

Cemented fixation – Special surgical cement is used to fasten the implant.
Uncemented fixation – It is the implant that has either a coated or a textured surface, which will permit the growth of the bone over time to bond securely to it naturally.

Bearing Surface Options

The bearing surface is where the ball and socket meet. Common combinations include :

• Metal-on-polyethylene
• Ceramic-on-ceramic
• Ceramic-on-polyethylene

The most widely used today is metal or ceramic on highly cross-linked polyethylene, offering excellent durability. The choice depends on the patient’s age, activity level, and health, and is decided in consultation with the surgeon.

Who May Need Total Hip Replacement ?

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common reasons for recommending hip replacement surgery in patients. The conditions that necessitate hip replacement can be categorized as follows :

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Hip dysplasia
• Avascular necrosis (AVN)
• Severe hip fractures

When Is Surgery Recommended ?

Pain in the hip is NOT an indication for total hip replacement. This surgery is significant and should only be recommended when all other treatment options have failed to alleviate the pain. In fact, total hip replacement is considered a last resort for any hip condition. It is essential to explore all other modalities first, including physiotherapy, yoga therapy, exercise therapy, and medical therapy. Only after these measures have been exhausted should total hip replacement surgery be considered.

You may be advised to consider surgery if you have:

• Severe pain, stiffness, and swelling that limit movement
• Pain interfering with daily activities and sleep
• Difficulty with basic tasks such as walking, sitting, or using the bathroom
• Hip deformity affecting posture or balance
• Loss of mobility leading to reduced independence or inability to work
• Hip instability making standing or walking unsafe

When done for the right reasons, THR can dramatically reduce pain, restore movement, and improve overall function.

The Importance of Rehabilitation

Surgery is only part of the recovery journey. Rehabilitation, including physiotherapy and structured exercise, is essential for regaining strength and flexibility. At our facility, we follow Rapid Rehab Protocols to help patients return to normal life in the shortest possible time.

Why Choose Our DHEE Hospitals for Hip Replacement Surgery In Bangalore ?

At DHEE Hospitals, Bangalore, Dr. Chandrasekar Chikkamuniyappa trained in leading centres in India, the UK, and the USA has developed a specialized Joint Replacement Program in DHEE Hospitals, Bangalore :

• Joint replacement surgeons
• Pain management experts
• Orthopaedic physiotherapists
• Yoga therapists
• Nutrition specialists
• Patient Empowerment Officers (counsellors)

Multidisciplinary Expertise Under One Roof

We offer a comprehensive musculoskeletal care system, including specialists in :

• Hip, knee, and shoulder replacement
• Spine surgery
• Sports injury treatment
• Limb reconstruction
• Paediatric orthopaedics
• Bone cancer surgery

Our team also includes interventional pain specialists, integrative medicine experts, and dieticians with a naturopathy background, ensuring holistic care.

Affordable Excellence

We believe mobility should never be compromised by cost. Our treatment packages are competitively priced while maintaining world-class standards, so patients can focus entirely on recovery without financial stress.

Expected Results

Most patients experience significant pain relief within weeks and are able to walk unaided soon after surgery. With proper rehabilitation, many return to their daily routines and hobbies within months, enjoying renewed independence and an improved quality of life.