Your operation
The length of surgery may vary. During hip resurfacing and total hip procedures it is purely surgeon preference regarding the surgical approach used, but you will be placed either on your side or on your back during the operation.
The leg being operated on will be scrubbed with an antiseptic solution and your whole body covered in sterile drapes. Once ready to start, the surgeon will make an initial cut along the hip. Once he/she has full sight of the hip joint, the leg is rotated until the femoral head is dislocated from the socket of the pelvis.
During a hip replacement, the upper part of the thigh bone (femur) is removed and the natural socket for the head of the femur (the acetabulum) is hollowed out. The replacement socket is fitted into the hollow in the pelvis. A short, angled metal shaft, with a smooth ball on its upper end (which fits into the socket) is placed into the hollow of the femur. The cup and the artificial bone head may be pressed into place or fixed with bone cement. Hip resurfacing is carried out in a similar way, although less of the bone will be removed as only the damaged surfaces of the joint are replaced. Finally, the layers of tissue are stitched or clipped back together and dressings are applied to the wound.
Important: The information and guidance provided here is general in nature and should not be considered as medical advice in any way. You should always seek detailed advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
