What does the operation involve?
The femoral head (the ball) is removed and replaced with a metal stem and a new ceramic or metal ball. The damaged socket is reshaped and a metal cup is inserted, lined with highly cross-linked polyethylene. The procedure typically takes around 90 minutes under spinal or general anaesthesia.
Conditions treated
- Osteoarthritis of the hip
- Inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid, ankylosing spondylitis)
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Avascular necrosis with collapse
- Failed previous hip surgery
Surgical approaches
Mr Gormack uses different approaches to the hip joint depending on a patient's anatomy and circumstances:
- Posterior approach — the traditional and most widely used technique.
- Direct superior approach — a more recent, tissue-sparing modification.
- Direct anterior approach — minimally invasive, passing between muscles without cutting tendons.
Preparing for surgery
- Stop smoking — improves wound healing and reduces complications.
- Optimise diabetes control with your GP.
- Work towards a healthy weight where possible.
- Attend any required dental appointments — infection sources should be treated first.
- Complete the pre-admission paperwork at least one week before surgery.
Hospital stay and recovery
- Hospital stay: typically 2–3 nights.
- Walking aids: crutches or a walking frame for 2–4 weeks.
- Driving: usually possible at 6 weeks (when no longer using crutches).
- Return to work: from 2 weeks for desk-based work, longer for heavier manual jobs.
- Full recovery: around 6 weeks for everyday activities, with ongoing improvement for several months.
Surgical risks
Hip replacement is a safe and reliable operation. Risks include infection, deep vein thrombosis, dislocation, leg length discrepancy, fracture, nerve or vessel injury and, rarely, cardiac complications. These are discussed in detail at your consultation.
Activities after hip replacement
Most patients return to walking, cycling, swimming, golf and gentle gym work. Higher-impact sports and heavy lifting are usually discouraged to protect the implant. Airport metal detectors will usually trigger — a card from your surgeon is helpful when travelling.
Implant longevity
Modern hip replacements are extremely durable. More than 90% last at least 10 years, and over 70% last 20 years or more. Younger patients can expect their implant to outlast many decades of activity.