An average of 300 patients undergo total hip replacement in Singapore each year (SGH, 2020), with the majority being individuals affected by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteonecrosis. These conditions lead to chronic pain and stiffness and can significantly affect mobility, ultimately impacting your quality of life.
Simple tasks such as walking, bending, or even getting out of bed can become challenging when faced with such conditions on the hips. Mobility is fundamental to leading an active, healthy, and fulfilling life. When it is compromised, it affects both our physical and emotional well-being. Addressing hip joint issues as early as possible and restoring a sense of normalcy in your daily life is crucial.
Hip transplant surgery has become a solution for individuals facing these challenges. If you or a loved one is considering hip replacement surgery, the journey begins with understanding your options. This blog will explore everything you need to know about hip replacement surgery, its benefits, and robotic-assisted methods.
Understanding Hip Transplant Surgery
Hip transplant surgery, also called hip arthroplasty, is a procedure where the damaged parts of the hips are replaced with artificial components, reducing the pain and improving hip function. This surgical procedure is recommended for individuals experiencing joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
The prosthetics used are made from durable materials such as metal, ceramic, or plastic and are designed to mimic the natural movement of a healthy hip joint. However, take note that there is a certain level of pain for you to consider when getting transplant surgery. While hip joint issues are manageable through non-surgical treatments like medications or physical therapy, surgery is necessary when:
- ★ Pain is severe and interferes with daily activities like walking, climbing the stairs, or even sleeping.
- ★ Mobility is restricted.
- ★ Non-surgical treatments are no longer effective in managing the symptoms.
- ★ Imaging tests show significant damage or degeneration.
2. Partial Hip Replacement. This focuses on replacing only one component of the hip joint—the ball. This surgery is typically performed for patients who have sustained certain hip fractures, particularly in older adults whose socket remains unaffected.
3. Revision Hip Surgery. This is performed to replace or repair an existing hip prosthesis that has failed or worn out over time. Depending on the condition of the prosthetic components, the surgeon may replace one or more parts, such as the stem, cup, or socket. Sometimes, the entire replacement hip must be removed and replaced with a new implant.
- ★ Relief and Improved Joint Function. Chronic hip pain can affect even the simplest activities like walking or sitting. Hip transplant surgery eliminates the source of pain by removing the damaged joint and replacing it with a prosthetic, allowing the patient to regain strength and continue with daily activities.
- ★ Enhanced Mobility. A damaged hip joint limits mobility. With hip transplant surgery, the range of motion in the joint is restored.
- ★ Long-lasting Results. Modern hip implants are built with materials designed for durability and longevity. With proper care, these prosthetics can last 15 to 20 years or more, offering patients a long-term solution to joint pain and dysfunction.
Advancements in Hip Replacement: The Role of Robotic Surgery
- ★ Reduced Margin of Error. A key advantage of robotic-assisted surgery is precision. While the traditional method is effective, implant positioning still has a small margin of error. Uncertainty is eliminated with a robotic hip replacement, and surgeons can make accurate adjustments in real-time.
- ★ Shortened Recovery Time and Improved Health. Because robotic hip replacement surgery is minimally invasive, it requires smaller incisions than the traditional method, resulting in less damage and a faster recovery. With this, most patients can expect shorter hospital stays and return to their normal activities immediately.
- ★ Enhanced Surgical Planning. 3D imaging allows surgeons to plan and visualise the entire hip replacement procedure before even making an incision. These detailed images allow for analysis of the hip joint, ensuring that the prosthesis is the correct size and alignment for the patient’s unique anatomy.
Comparing Traditional Hip Surgery and Robotic-Assisted Surgery
PROCEDURE
- ★ Traditional Hip Surgery. The surgeon manually makes an incision and removes the damaged hip joint. The femoral head is replaced with a prosthetic ball, and the acetabulum is replaced with a socket. The surgeon relies on experience, preoperative planning, and hand-eye coordination to position the prosthetic components.
- ★ Robotic-Assisted Hip Surgery. This uses computer systems and robotic arms to assist the surgeon in real-time. Before surgery, the surgeon uses 3D imaging to create a customised plan for implant placement based on the patient’s unique anatomy. During surgery, the robotic system helps guide the surgeon’s movements with enhanced precision, ensuring optimal alignment and positioning of the prosthetic components.
RECOVERY AND REHABILITATION
- ★ Traditional Hip Surgery. Recovery after traditional hip replacement surgery generally involves a longer hospital stay and extended rehabilitation period. Complete recovery of the hips can take several months. Non-surgical procedures such as physical therapy are typically required to regain strength and mobility in the hip joint.
- ★ Robotic-Assisted Hip Surgery. With this approach, patients experience a faster recovery due to the minimally invasive procedure. Smaller incisions mean less muscle disruption and quicker healing. Many patients can begin walking with assistance the day after surgery and experience reduced pain and swelling. While the rehabilitation process still requires physical therapy, patients may return to light activities sooner compared to traditional surgery.
Pros and Cons: Traditional Approach
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ★ It has been proven to be effective, and it has brought decades of successful outcomes. | ★ Higher risk of misalignment. |
| ★ Suitable for a broad range of patients, including those with complex conditions that may not be candidates for robotic surgery. | ★ May result in longer recovery times due to larger incisions and more trauma to surrounding tissue. |
Pros and Cons: Robotic-Assisted Hip Surgery
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| ★ Precision and accuracy in implant placement. | ★ Requires access to specialised robotic equipment, which may not be available in all hospitals or for all patients. |
| ★ Smaller incisions and reduced tissue damage, leading to less postoperative pain and a faster recovery. | ★ Not all patients are candidates for robotic surgery, particularly those with severe joint deformities. |
| ★ Robotic surgery is more expensive due to the technology and expertise involved. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Replacement Surgery
- Is hip transplant surgery safe?
Yes, hip transplant surgery is safe, with a high success rate of about 95% of patients experiencing relief from hip pain (HSS, n.d.). While there are risks, such as infection or blood clots, they are rare. Advances in surgical techniques, including robotic assistance, have improved safety. - What is the recovery timeline?
Rehabilitation begins within 24 hours after surgery, with most patients able to walk using a cane, walker, or crutches within a day or two. Over time, you will gradually increase the distance of your walks. Full recovery takes about 3 to 6 months, with physical therapy aiding in regaining strength and mobility. - Will I need follow-up surgery?
Whether or not you’ll need follow-up surgery largely depends on the type of implant used. Modern implants, such as ceramic-on-polyethylene prostheses, are designed to last for many years—often up to 20 years or more. However, wear and tear on the components can deteriorate over time, making hip revision surgery necessary. - Who is a good candidate for hip transplant surgery?
Good candidates are typically those with arthritis, fractures, or other degenerative conditions affecting the hip. Your orthopaedic surgeon, such as A/Professor Andrew Quoc Dutton, will assess your health and medical history before recommending surgery. - How do I prepare for surgery?
Prepare by undergoing tests, stopping certain medications, and arranging for help during recovery. Discussing the procedure and recovery expectations with your surgeon is also helpful.
If you or your loved one is considering hip transplant surgery, schedule a consultation with a qualified orthopaedic specialist like A/Professor Andrew Quoc Dutton. Dr. Dutton is a Harvard Fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with years of experience treating hip, knee, shoulder, and other joint conditions. He is the first doctor in Singapore to perform hip arthroscopy with labral repair successfully. He has been in clinical practice since 1996, having graduated from Marist College, Canberra, and the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia.
Take the first step toward better mobility and quality of life by discussing treatment options with Dr. Dutton. Contact (+65) 6836 8000 to schedule your appointment today!
A/Professor Andrew Quoc Dutton Orthopaedic & Sports Clinic Insurance
The A/Professor Andrew Quoc Dutton Orthopaedic & Sports Clinic offers minimally invasive and surgical treatments for sports-related injuries and orthopaedic conditions.
To aid in the expenses that you may incur, we accept a number of corporate and international insurance. If you have any of the insurance plans below, please let us know when you book an appointment with us. If you need further assistance, you may drop us an e-mail at info@eliteortho.com.sg or call us at (+65) 6836 8000.
- AIA Health Insurance
- Alliance Healthcare
- AXA International Exclusive (IE)/ IE Plus
- Cigna International
- Fullerton Health
- Great Eastern Life/ Live Great
- Integrated Health Plans (IHP)
- MHC Medical Network
- NTUC Income
- Parkway Shenton Insurance/ iXchange
- Raffles Health Insurance
- Singlife with Aviva
- Adept
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