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SERVICES

Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement)

Total Hip Replacement

OVERVIEW

Total hip Replacement, also known as hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to replace a damaged or worn-out hip joint with an artificial implant. This intervention is often recommended for patients suffering from severe hip pain and restricted mobility due to conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or hip fractures. Dr du Plessis performs hip arthroplasty with the aim to restore function and alleviate pain in the hip joint.

Types of hip replacement indications:

Total hip replacement may be indicated for a variety of underlying causes, including:

  1. Osteoarthritis: The degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone.
  2. Rheumatoid Arthritis: A chronic inflammatory condition affecting the synovial lining of joints.
  3. Post-traumatic arthritis: Resulting from a severe hip injury or fracture.
  4. Avascular necrosis: Reduced blood supply to the hip joint, leading to bone death.
  5. Neck of femur fractures: as treatment for acute hip fractures.
TREATMENT
Conservative treatment:

Dr du Plessis emphasises a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating non-surgical interventions when appropriate. Conservative treatments may include:
  • Physical therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen muscles and improve joint flexibility.
  • Medications: Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications to manage symptoms.
  • Lifestyle modifications: Weight management and activity modifications to alleviate stress on the hip joint.
Surgical intervention:

When conservative measures prove insufficient, Dr du Plessis may suggest the time has come for a total hip replacement. The procedure involves removing damaged portions of the hip joint and replacing them with prosthetic components, restoring functionality and relieving pain.

FAQ

Are there any risks associated with total hip replacement?
As with any surgical procedure, there are inherent risks, including infection, blood clots, and implant-related issues. Dr du Plessis thoroughly discusses these risks with patients before surgery and takes measures to minimise potential complications.
What surgical approaches does Dr du Plessis employ for total hip replacement?
Dr du Plessis primarily utilises the contemporary posterior approach to total hip replacement, as it has been shown the best approach the surgeon is the best at. The various approaches have their own complications and risks, with no approach showing superiority to any other in the medium and long term.
What is the lifespan of a hip replacement implant?
The longevity of a hip replacement implant varies, but modern prosthetics are designed to last for decades. Regular follow-ups with Dr du Plessis and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle can contribute to the longevity of the implant.
How long is the recovery after total hip replacement?
Following the procedure, the physiotherapist in the ward initiated mobilisation and exercises the day after surgery, with the aim to be walking with crutches and climbing stairs by day 2, which allows for early discharge and minimises hospital related complications. Although all patients are different, the vast majority can walk without aids from between 4 to 6 weeks.

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    PUBLICATIONS

    Assessment of the Reliability and Reproducibility of the Langenskiöld
    Classification in Blount’s Disease

    DU PLESSIS J, Firth GB, Robertson A. Assessment of the reliability and reproducibility of the Langenskiöld classification in Blount's disease. Journal of Pediatric orthopedics. Part B. 2019 Nov 12.

     

    The Impact of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on orthopaedic trauma admissions in a central academic hospital in Johannesburg

    Foster M, Du Plessis J, Jansen van Vuuren M, Jingo M, Pietrzak JR. The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions on orthopaedic trauma admissions in a central academic hospital in Johannesburg. SA Orthopaedic Journal. 2022;21(2):70-5.

    Short term results following two stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection

    DU PLESSIS, J et al. Short-term results following two-stage revision for periprosthetic joint infection. South African Orthopaedic Journal, [S.l.], v. 19, n. 2, p. 64-69, may 2020

     

    Comparison of visual estimations of distal radius fracture radiographic parameters between different levels of orthopaedic doctors.

    Naidoo V, Milner B, du Plessis J. SA Orthop J. 2025;24(1):26-31. http://dx.doi.org/10.17159/2309-8309/2025/v24n1a4