Dr Jonathan Young specialises in hip replacement surgery and treatments. There are several causes of hip pain and various options for treatment. Hip replacement is one of the most successful of all surgical procedures. Such surgery is advised for the relief of pain and to improve function when all other efforts have failed. 

Some common conditions and treatments are explained below in more detail.

Hip arthritis

Hip arthritis is usually caused by time, sometimes by slight deformities which occurred in youth (of which most people are unaware), uncommonly by injury or rarely by other conditions.

Early treatment is with exercise and weight loss, as the less load is put through the joint the less painful it may prove. Exercise needs to be sensible. Cycling and swimming are reasonable, walking is fine, though running may be met with a marked increase in symptoms. The symptoms of hip osteoarthritis often seem severe initially however tend to diminish, running a fluctuating course.

An arthritic hip becomes gradually more stiff. Pain is felt in the groin, buttock and thigh, and sometimes in the knee. Paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medications can be trialled and these may keep symptoms at bay for a period.

Ultimately people become sick of the pain and limitations such as not being able to put on socks, tie up shoelaces; having difficulty dressing and sitting in a car. Sleep is often disturbed. At this stage, many may contemplate a hip replacement.

Hip replacement and treatments

Hip replacement is one of the most successful of all surgical procedures. Such surgery is advised for the relief of pain, and to improve function when all other efforts have failed.

It is usually performed when the hip ball and socket joint has been destroyed by arthritis. Other, less common causes may arise from injury or other conditions. The smooth cartilage surface has worn away, leaving a rough and bare surface. The leg may feel it is getting stuck, and pain is felt in the groin, thigh to knee and the buttock.

During a hip replacement, the worn-out joint is replaced with a prosthesis, resulting in significant pain relief and better functioning. The socket (or acetabulum) is replaced with a hemispherical component, including a new bearing surface. Then, the head of the femur (the ball part of the joint) is replaced with a new ball, usually placed on another component within the centre of the bone.

Surgery takes around one hour. Walking starts either the same or next day, with pain relief given. Most hip replacements will last between 20 and 25 years.

Read more about hip replacements and treatments here.

Anterior approach hip replacement

There are many ways to access the hip in order to perform a hip replacement. One of the best techniques involves an approach through the front of the thigh in what is called a Direct Anterior Approach (described by Heuter and popularised by Laude).

The incision is smaller and importantly no muscles are cut, allowing a much faster return to function and a significant reduction post-operative pain. Doctor Young has performed more than 600 hip replacements with this technique and is the only surgeon in the region to offer it with such experience.

Surgery takes about one hour, with patients up and walking either the same day or early the next. Hospital stays are typically two to three days.

Book your appointment

Seeking a treatment that’s right for you? Arrange a consultation with Doctor Young today. Call 02 4958 7777 or make an enquiry below.