Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Specialist in hip and knee joint replacement surgery
Hip arthritis
Hip arthritis is a significantly debilitating condition whereby the smooth cartilage that normally covers the ball and socket of the hip joint erodes away causing pain and stiffness. It is often caused by general wear and tear but may also be from other causes such as injury, infection or developmental problems in childhood. Pain is frequently felt in the groin (that's where the ball and socket is) and commonly radiates down the leg to the knee (known as referred pain). Patients will often have trouble putting on shoes or socks due to stiffness and getting in and out of a car may be a struggle.
Hip replacement surgery
If other measures have failed then hip replacement surgery may be an option. This involves replacing the ball and the socket of the hip joint with the aim of treating the pain caused by arthritis and to improve the patient's mobility and quality of life. A metal cup is implanted into the hip socket and then a polyethylene (plastic) liner is placed into the new cup. A metal 'stem' is implanted in the top of the femur (thigh bone) and a ceramic or metal ball is then placed on top of the stem. Patients will normally be mobilising the same day and many will be discharged after one night in hospital.
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The hip implants that Mr Hunter routinely uses have a 15A ODEP rating, demonstrating a high level of evidence for their quality and longevity.
