Total Hip Replacement (THR)

A total hip replacement is an extremely common orthopaedic procedure which provides positive outcomes for those experiencing pain and reduced function following end-stage degenerative hip osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

During this procedure the head of the femur is replaced with a prosthetic head on the shaft whole the acetabulum (the ‘socket’) part of the hip is lined with a bowl shaped synthetic joint surface.

People with advanced degenerative changes of the hip will often report pain, reduced range of movement, stiffness and functional impairment. Each case is assessed individually and you will be working with your orthopaedic surgeon to discuss your likely outcome following surgery. 

It is important to screen other joints such as the lumbar spine as this can also refer to the hip in some instance. Your surgeon may also request further imaging in the form of an x-ray to assess articular surface of the hip joint.

There is increasing research that highlights the benefits of a strength based exercises programme prior to surgery to improve outcomes post-surgery. During the pre-operative phase, physiotherapy can help provide advice around your upcoming surgery, graded exercise programme, symptom management and pacing techniques.

Once you have had your surgery, and depending on the surgery that you had, your orthopaedic surgeon will inform you of precautions that are important during your rehabilitation. Mobilisation is commenced soon after your surgery (generally a few hours after) and gradually progressed over a period of roughly 6 weeks. Physiotherapy can help after surgery by:

Mobilisation and gait re-education

Functional adaptations while you recover

Transfer practice

Pain management

Scar desensitisation

Hip-precautions (if applicable)

Graded exercise programme