Our Summary

This study looked at how successful a specific type of hip replacement surgery was after 28 years. The type of hip replacement they studied was called total hip arthroplasty (THA), where the whole hip joint is replaced, and it was coated with a substance called hydroxyapatite (HA) which helps the hip implant to bond with the bone.

The study involved 196 patients who had this type of hip replacement between 1992 and 1998, and they were monitored up to 2022. They found that 7.5% of these patients needed to have their hip replacement revised, and this usually happened about 11 years after the initial surgery. The main reason for needing a revision was aseptic loosening, which means the hip implant had come loose in a sterile environment. This occurred in 4.4% of the revisions, affecting both the hip socket and the thigh bone.

The results showed that 15 years after surgery, 95.5% of the hip replacements were still working well. After 20 years this dropped to 88.3%, and after 27.5 years it was 79.3%. The study concluded that this type of hip replacement with an HA-coated stem provides excellent long-term results, with a very low rate (1.3%) of needing a revision due to aseptic loosening.

FAQs

  1. What is total hip arthroplasty (THA) and how does it work?
  2. What percentage of patients needed a revision of their hip replacement after the initial surgery according to the study?
  3. How long after the initial surgery does the study suggest that a hip replacement might need to be revised?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give to a patient about hip replacement is to follow a proper rehabilitation program after surgery. This includes physical therapy exercises to strengthen the hip muscles, improve flexibility, and regain range of motion. Consistent exercise and rehabilitation can help prevent complications and improve overall function and mobility in the long term. It’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure the best possible outcome after hip replacement surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for hip replacement surgery include those who are experiencing severe hip pain and stiffness that is not relieved by other treatments, such as medication or physical therapy. Common reasons for needing hip replacement surgery include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hip fractures, and avascular necrosis. Patients who have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or performing daily activities due to hip pain are also good candidates for hip replacement surgery. Additionally, patients who have tried other treatments without success and are in overall good health may be recommended for hip replacement surgery.

Timeline

Before hip replacement surgery, a patient typically experiences chronic hip pain, stiffness, limited mobility, and difficulty performing daily activities. They may have tried conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and cortisone injections without success.

After undergoing hip replacement surgery, the patient will go through a period of recovery and rehabilitation. This includes physical therapy to help regain strength and range of motion in the hip joint. The patient will gradually increase their activity level and may be able to return to normal activities within a few months.

Over time, the patient should experience decreased pain, improved mobility, and a better quality of life. The hip replacement should last for many years, providing long-term relief from hip arthritis and allowing the patient to maintain an active lifestyle. If the hip replacement does require revision surgery, it is typically due to aseptic loosening of the implant and may occur several years after the initial surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about hip replacement surgery include:

  1. What type of hip replacement surgery will I be undergoing?
  2. What is the success rate of this specific type of hip replacement surgery?
  3. How long can I expect my hip replacement to last?
  4. What are the potential complications or risks associated with this surgery?
  5. How long is the recovery process and what can I expect during rehabilitation?
  6. Will I need any special accommodations or modifications to my lifestyle after the surgery?
  7. What is the likelihood of needing a revision surgery in the future?
  8. Are there any specific factors that may affect the success of my hip replacement surgery?
  9. What are the alternatives to hip replacement surgery and why is this the best option for me?
  10. How often will I need follow-up appointments and monitoring after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Fa-Binefa M, Serra J, Moya E, Crusi X, Gich-Saladich I, Valera M. Journal: Hip Int. 2025 Mar;35(2):159-166. doi: 10.1177/11207000241306004. Epub 2025 Jan 6. PMID: 39757970