What is a total hip replacement?
A total hip replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces the worn surfaces of the hip joint with two custom-made prosthetic implants: a femoral stem topped with a spherical head, and a cup—a hemispherical piece that fits into the pelvis in place of the acetabulum. The aim of the replacement is to restore smooth joint function and relieve pain associated with cartilage wear.
Dr. Coulin performs this operation using modern techniques, including minimally invasive surgery when adapted to the patient. This approach helps limit muscle damage and accelerate post-operative recovery.
In which cases is the intervention indicated?
Hip replacement is mainly indicated in cases of advanced hip osteoarthritis, in other words advanced coxarthrosis, when the joint becomes painful, loses mobility and medical treatments are no longer sufficient to relieve the symptoms.
Other possible indications include:
- Inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)
- Femoral head necrosis (a condition in which the blood supply to the head of the femur is interrupted)
- Femoral neck fractures (especially in active patients)
- Congenital or post-traumatic deformities
- Failure of conservative treatments (analgesics, infiltrations, physiotherapy)
When pain affects activity, walking, sleep or loss of autonomy, prosthesis becomes an effective solution to improve quality of life.
Why consider a hip replacement?
There coxarthrosis is a progressive and irreversible disease. The cartilage gradually deteriorates, leading to profound pain when walking, loss of range of motion and sometimes loss of independence.
Surgery allows:
- Promote a return to an active life
- Long-lasting pain relief
- Restore hip mobility
- Improve posture and walking quality
How does the operation with Dr. Coulin work?
The procedure is performed under general or regional anesthesia, depending on the patient's profile. Dr. Coulin favors minimally invasive techniques, particularly the anterior approach, which allows access to the hip joint by spreading the muscles rather than cutting them. This gentle approach promotes faster recovery and limits postoperative pain.
The damaged joint parts are carefully removed and then replaced with two custom-made prosthetic implants: a cup fixed in the pelvis (hemispherical component of the hip prosthesis which replaces the acetabulum of the pelvis) and a femoral stem topped with a spherical head.
Before the intervention, Dr. Coulin relies on advanced technologies 3D analysis to model each patient's anatomy with extreme precision. This tailor-made planning allows us to anticipate each surgical procedure, optimize implant positioning and faithfully restore the natural biomechanics of the hip.
What are the post-operative consequences ?
Rehabilitation begins very quickly after the procedure. The patient is mobilized from the first hours, with personalized physiotherapy support.
The same day, walking is resumed with assistance, then progress is made gradually, with a rehabilitation program adapted to each patient.
The objectives of this phase:
- Regain balance and autonomy
- Promote healing
- Retraining the muscles and tendons to move with the prosthesis
What results can we expect?
The results are in the vast majority of cases excellent and long-lasting. Patients operated on by Dr. Coulin report:
- A clear reduction, or even disappearance, of pain
- A smooth, limp-free gait
- Increased mobility and comfort on a daily basis
- A general improvement in the quality of life
Current prostheses have an average lifespan of between 15 and 25 years, with lasting results in the vast majority of cases.
Are there any risks?
Like any surgical procedure, hip replacement involves certain risks: infection, dislocation, phlebitis, residual pain or wear of the prosthesis.
Dr. Coulin applies rigorous prevention protocols and ensures careful monitoring to minimize these complications and guarantee optimal results.
Would you like to know more?
Chaque patient est unique, le Dr Coulin vous reçoit en consultation à Genève pour faire le point sur vos douleurs, évaluer l’état de votre hanche et vous proposer la solution la plus adaptée à votre situation.
