Hip replacement generally takes one to two hours. It may be performed under a general or spinal anesthesia.  During the procedure the surgeon will remove the damaged or diseased portion of the hipbone replacing it with an artificial hip joint).  You will return from surgery with a large dressing on the hip area.  You may be required to wear “anti-embolism” stockings to reduce the risk of developing blood clots. A small drainage tube will be placed during surgery to help drain excess fluids from the joint area. Rehabilitation and physical therapy are started immediately following surgery and continue throughout hospitalization and at home for one year after surgery.

Relief from pain is the greatest benefit and the major reason for hip replacement surgery.  Reasons for replacing all or part of the hip joint include:  severe pain from arthritis or injury in the hip that limits an individual’s ability to do the things they want to do, fractures in the elderly of the neck of the femur, and the occurrence of hip joint tumors. 

There are possible risks and complications associated with anesthesia, including respiratory or cardiac malfunction.

• Infection requiring antibiotics and in some cases hospitalization.  Infection can sometimes occur around the hip joint years after the surgery.
• Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis), which can dislodge and move to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
• Injury to nerves or blood vessels.
• Fracture or dislocation of the new hip joint may necessitate additional surgeries.
• Stiffness or instability of the joint caused by extra bone growth.
• Retention of urine and bladder infection.

With time - sometimes as long as 20 years - the artificial joint will loosen and revision surgery will become necessary.
 

Risks can be reduced by following the surgeon's instructions before and after surgery.

You will receive an extensive pre-operative evaluation to determine if you are a good candidate for hip replacement. Candidates for Hip Arthroplasty will be valuated to assess the degree of disability, impact on your lifestyle and pre-existing medical conditions. The surgeon will make the final determination of each patient’s eligibility for the procedure after an examination and consultation with the patient.  Commitment to a rehabilitation program is important since improvement of the new hip joint is largely determined by the patient’s effort.

Why hip replacement surgery at Bumrungrad International?

• Bumrungrad is a recognized center of excellence for orthopaedic surgery. 
• The Orthopaedic Surgeons at Bumrungrad have performed several hundred hip replacement surgeries during the past 25 years.

*Actual costs depend on the prosthesis used and the exchange rate. This estimate is based on recent averages for actual cases. Prices are subject to change without notice.