Hip Replacement in Adelaide: Your Complete Guide
Hip pain has a way of creeping into everything. At first it might be a twinge getting out of the car, or stiffness first thing in the morning that eases once you get moving. Over time, for many people, it becomes something harder to ignore: broken sleep, difficulty walking to the letterbox, giving up activities you used to love.
If you’ve been living with significant hip pain and conservative treatments like physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications and injections aren’t providing enough relief, hip replacement surgery is worth understanding. This guide explains what hip replacement involves, who it tends to help most, and what the process looks like from your first appointment through to recovery.
What is hip replacement surgery?
Hip replacement surgery involves removing the damaged surfaces of the hip joint and replacing them with an artificial implant. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. In a healthy hip, smooth cartilage cushions the ball (the head of the femur) and the socket (the acetabulum in the pelvis). When that cartilage wears away, typically due to osteoarthritis, the bones begin rubbing together, causing pain and stiffness.
During the operation, the damaged bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with prosthetic components. Modern implants are engineered to replicate the natural movement of a healthy hip as closely as possible. They are designed for longevity and most patients can expect many years of good function from a well-performed hip replacement.
Who is a good candidate for hip replacement?
Hip replacement is generally considered when hip pain and reduced function are significantly affecting your quality of life and when non-surgical treatments have not provided adequate relief. Common reasons people come to see an orthopaedic surgeon include:
- Persistent hip or groin pain that affects daily activities such as walking, dressing or sleeping
- Stiffness that limits your range of motion
- Pain that continues at rest or during the night
- X-ray evidence of significant joint degeneration
- Limited improvement from physiotherapy, weight management, pain relief and injections
The decision to proceed with surgery is always made collaboratively, weighing the likely benefits against your individual circumstances, health, and goals. Age alone is not a deciding factor.
Surgical approaches: Anterior vs Posterior
One of the most important decisions in hip replacement is the surgical approach, meaning the direction from which the surgeon accesses the hip joint. Two common approaches are the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) and the Posterior Approach.
The Direct Anterior Approach accesses the hip from the front of the body, working between natural muscle planes rather than cutting through muscle. Many patients experience less post-operative pain and a quicker return to walking with this technique. The Posterior Approach accesses the hip from the back and side of the hip. It is a well-established technique with an excellent long-term track record.
The right approach depends on a range of factors including your anatomy, the complexity of your hip condition, and your surgeon’s assessment. Dr Kitchen is experienced in both techniques and will discuss which is most appropriate for you at your consultation.
What about robotic-assisted hip replacement?
Robotic-assisted surgery using the Mako SmartRobotics system is available for eligible patients. This technology uses a pre-operative CT scan to create a three-dimensional model of your hip, allowing the surgical plan to be precisely mapped before the operation begins. During surgery, the robotic arm helps guide implant placement to match that plan.
The goal is accurate, consistent implant positioning, which can contribute to better joint function and improved longevity of the implant.
Recovery: what to expect
Most patients are up and walking with assistance the day after surgery. Length of hospital stay varies but is typically a few days. You will work with a physiotherapist both in hospital and after discharge to restore strength and mobility.
The early weeks involve taking things steadily. Most people are walking unaided and managing daily tasks independently within six to twelve weeks, though a full return to higher-impact activities takes longer. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance based on your procedure and progress.
How to see Dr Kitchen
Dr David Kitchen is an orthopaedic surgeon specialising in hip and knee conditions. He consults at the Stepney Healthcare Hub in Adelaide. A GP referral is required for all appointments. Speak to your GP if you’d like to be referred, or call the rooms directly on 8130 1228 to discuss the process.
To find out whether hip replacement is appropriate for your situation, ask your GP for a referral to Dr David Kitchen, or call 8130 1228.