Hip Resurfacing Surgery
Hip resurfacing surgery reshapes the hip joint surfaces rather than replacing them. It is often suitable for younger, more active patients with conditions like arthritis, preserving more of the natural bone.
Hip resurfacing surgery reshapes the hip joint surfaces rather than replacing them. It is often suitable for younger, more active patients with conditions like arthritis, preserving more of the natural bone.
The surgery itself is painless due to anaesthesia, but post-operative pain and discomfort are expected. Pain management and physiotherapy are essential components of recovery.
Hip resurfacing is effective for younger, active patients who want to preserve more of their natural bone. Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved function.
The surgical time for a primary, uncomplicated total joint replacement is surprisingly efficient, usually lasting about one to two hours in the operating theatre. Dr Khoo aims for a focused and streamlined procedure because shorter surgical times can translate to less trauma to the surrounding tissues, reduced blood loss, and a more straightforward early recovery for you. However, the total time you will spend in the hospital on the day of surgery is considerably longer than just the operating time. This extended duration includes the time needed for the anaesthetist to prepare you for the procedure, the meticulous process of positioning you for surgery, the application of dressings, and the critical period you will spend in the recovery suite as the anaesthesia wears off and your vital signs are stabilised. Your surgical team will keep you informed on the day, but rest assured that every step is taken with safety and precision in mind.
The longevity of a total joint replacement is a key concern, and happily, modern technology has vastly improved the lifespan of these implants. Historically, patients were commonly told to expect around 10 to 15 years, but current data from the Australian National Joint Registry demonstrates a far more promising outlook. For most modern total hip and knee replacements, the likelihood of the implant still functioning well at 20 years is high—often exceeding 85% to 90%. This means that the majority of patients can reasonably expect their first replacement to last for two decades or more. However, this is not a guaranteed figure, as the wear rate is influenced by several factors. Younger, highly active patients tend to put more stress on the joint, which can lead to earlier wear of the plastic or ceramic components, potentially necessitating a revision sooner. Conversely, older patients often find that the replacement will comfortably last for the rest of their lives. Dr Khoo always advises that maintaining an appropriate body weight and adhering to low-impact activities are the best ways to maximise the lifespan of your new joint.
The durability of your new hip joint is excellent, with contemporary implants built to withstand the demands of daily life for an exceptionally long time. Current joint registry data from Australia shows that the majority of total hip replacements are successful beyond the 20-year mark. Modern ceramic and high-density polyethylene bearing surfaces have dramatically reduced the wear and tear that was common with older technology, leading to this impressive longevity. While it is impossible for Dr Khoo to provide an absolute guarantee—as the lifespan is ultimately affected by your lifestyle and biology—patients can confidently expect many years of pain-free movement. Key indicators that influence this duration are your age at the time of surgery and your level of activity post-operatively. Dr Khoo advises patients to embrace low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and golf, while generally recommending against high-impact, repetitive activities such as long-distance running or contact sports, to ensure the replacement lasts as long as possible.
While joint replacement surgery is one of the most successful orthopaedic procedures, Dr Khoo ensures every patient understands the potential risks, which are rare but serious. The most concerning risks include infection, which occurs in a small percentage of cases and may require further surgery; deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots, which are managed with preventative blood-thinning medication and early movement; and issues specific to the implant, such as dislocation or the loosening of the components over a long period. Other potential risks include nerve or blood vessel injury, fracture during surgery, and the ongoing, though significantly reduced, possibility of pain. Dr Khoo and his team employ modern protocols, including sterile environments, prophylactic antibiotics, and minimal soft tissue approaches (like the anterior approach for hip), to actively mitigate these risks. It is important to discuss your personal risk profile with him to ensure you are fully informed before proceeding.
The recovery process begins almost instantly, with the focus on early mobilisation to prevent complications and accelerate healing. Right after the surgery, patients are typically transferred to the recovery room where initial pain is managed aggressively. Within 24 hours, Dr Khoo’s team will have you up and standing, and often taking your first few steps with the assistance of a walker or crutches. Most patients are discharged from the hospital within two to three days, once they can safely navigate with an aid and manage basic self-care. The initial weeks at home are centred on managing the expected discomfort and swelling with ice, elevation, and medication, alongside gentle home exercises prescribed by the physiotherapist. It is a period of finding the balance between rest and activity. By the two-to-four-week mark, most of the acute pain has subsided, and the focus shifts significantly towards increasing muscle strength and improving the range of motion through a structured physical therapy programme.
The recovery process is structured and progressive, designed to safely guide you back to full function. It is a partnership between you, Dr Khoo, and your physiotherapist. In the immediate post-operative phase, the priority is acute pain management and preventing risks like blood clots through early, assisted walking. Once home, typically within a few days, the focus shifts to a dedicated, daily programme of exercises to rebuild muscle strength that may have been lost due to arthritis. The six-week milestone is often when major restrictions are lifted, and most patients are transitioning away from walking aids and are cleared to drive. From three to twelve months, the recovery is mainly about regaining stamina and maximal strength. Dr Khoo stresses that you must avoid the temptation to push too hard, too fast; consistency with low-impact activity is key. While many patients feel significantly better within three months, achieving a sense of complete normalcy and confidence in the new joint can take the better part of a year.
While the goal of the first operation is to be a permanent solution, Dr Khoo will tell you that no prosthetic joint comes with a lifetime guarantee, and there is a possibility that you may require a second operation, known as a revision surgery, sometime in the distant future. This need arises in about 10 to 15% of patients at the 20-year mark. The most common cause for a revision many years later is the wear of the components, which can lead to the implant loosening from the bone over time. Rarer, but more immediate reasons for a revision include a periprosthetic joint infection or recurrent instability/dislocation. Younger, more active individuals face a slightly higher risk of outliving their first implant simply because they place greater mechanical demands on the joint over a longer period. Dr Khoo employs advanced, durable implants to minimise this risk, but it is an important topic for long-term planning. The decision for revision is always based on the return of significant pain, not just the age of the implant itself.
Regaining movement is a central goal of the surgery, and most patients achieve an excellent functional range of motion that significantly exceeds their pre-operative, arthritic state. For a total hip replacement, patients typically recover near-normal movement that allows them to perform all essential daily activities with great confidence, though Dr Khoo will provide specific precautions (depending on the surgical approach) to avoid extreme positions that could lead to dislocation. For a total knee replacement, the aim is to restore the ability to fully straighten the leg and to achieve a bend of around 110 to 120 degrees or more. This degree of movement is generally sufficient for things like cycling, climbing stairs, and driving. It is important to have a realistic expectation; regaining the "full" range of motion you had in your youth may not be possible, particularly if you had severe stiffness for many years. However, the movement you gain will be pain-free, making it far more valuable. Your commitment to the rehabilitation exercises is the most critical element in achieving the maximum possible movement.