Hip Replacement Surgery
at Aster MIMS Kannur
A worn or fractured hip steals your independence. Total hip replacement replaces the damaged ball and socket with precision-engineered components, eliminates pain, and restores full weight-bearing mobility. Dr. Vishnu performs primary and revision hip replacements at Aster MIMS Kannur using internationally certified implant systems and cemented fixation techniques proven over decades.
What is total hip replacement?
Total hip replacement is one of the most reliable operations in orthopaedic surgery. The damaged femoral head (the ball) is removed and replaced with a metal or ceramic component mounted on a stem that fits inside the thigh bone. The worn acetabulum (the socket) is resurfaced with a metal shell lined with a ceramic or polyethylene bearing. Together, these components recreate the smooth, pain-free movement of a healthy hip joint.
The operation is indicated for patients with end-stage hip arthritis, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, inflammatory arthritis, or displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. The common thread is a hip joint that has been damaged beyond the point where conservative measures can provide meaningful relief. Persistent groin pain, reduced walking distance, difficulty with stairs, and inability to put on shoes or socks are all functional indicators.
I select the surgical approach based on your anatomy and the complexity of your case. The posterior approach remains the most versatile and widely used technique worldwide, offering excellent exposure and reliability across all patient types. The anterior approach may be considered for select patients where anatomy permits a muscle-sparing corridor. Both approaches use the same implants and achieve the same functional outcome.
Bearing surface selection
Ceramic-on-polyethylene for reliable wear performance in most patients. Ceramic-on-ceramic for younger, more active patients seeking the lowest wear rates. The bearing is matched to your age, activity demands, and expected implant lifespan.
Cemented and uncemented fixation
Cemented fixation provides immediate stability and is the preferred method for most patients, particularly those over 65. Uncemented fixation relies on biological bone ingrowth and may be considered for younger patients with excellent bone quality. The evidence guides the choice.
Revision capability
For patients with failed previous implants, Dr. Vishnu manages bone loss and instability using specialised revision implant systems. Subspecialty training from PGIMER Chandigarh, one of India's highest-volume revision centres, underpins this expertise.
Surgical approaches and fixation methods
The choice of surgical approach is not about fashion or marketing. It is about selecting the technique that gives the surgeon the best access to your hip for safe, accurate component positioning. Both approaches produce the same functional result when performed well.
Posterior Approach
The most established approach with the longest published track record
Excellent exposure for complex anatomy, revision cases, and deformity
Versatile across all body types and pathologies
Enhanced soft tissue repair techniques minimise dislocation risk
Anterior Approach
Muscle-sparing corridor where anatomy permits
Selected for patients with favourable body habitus
Same implants and fixation as the posterior approach
Potentially faster early recovery in appropriate candidates
Evidence note: International registry data consistently shows that long-term outcomes of total hip replacement are determined by component positioning, fixation quality, and bearing surface rather than surgical approach alone. The best approach is the one the surgeon can execute most reliably for your specific case.
When is hip replacement recommended?
Hip replacement is considered when conservative treatments have failed to provide adequate relief and the hip joint has sustained irreversible damage. The following conditions are commonly treated at Aster MIMS Kannur.
Primary Hip Osteoarthritis
Wear-and-tear arthritis causing progressive destruction of the hip cartilage. Bone spurs form around the joint, reducing range of motion and causing groin pain that worsens with weight-bearing activity.
Avascular Necrosis
Loss of blood supply to the femoral head, leading to bone death and collapse of the joint surface. Common causes include steroid use, alcohol, sickle cell disease, and idiopathic cases. When collapse is advanced, replacement is the definitive treatment.
Femoral Neck Fracture
Displaced hip fractures in elderly patients are best treated with hip replacement rather than internal fixation, as fixation failure rates are high in this group. Hemiarthroplasty or total hip replacement allows immediate weight-bearing and faster recovery.
Inflammatory Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other inflammatory conditions can destroy the hip joint despite medical management. When joint destruction progresses, replacement eliminates the source of inflammatory pain.
Dysplasia and Deformity
Developmental dysplasia of the hip leads to abnormal socket coverage and accelerated arthritis. Reconstruction requires specialised implant positioning and sometimes bone grafting to create a stable, well-covered socket.
Failed Previous Surgery
Previous hip replacement that has loosened, worn out, or become unstable. Revision hip replacement addresses bone loss, removes infected or failed components, and restores a stable, pain-free joint.
From consultation to recovery
Assessment and planning
Your journey begins with a clinical examination and weight-bearing X-rays of the hip. Dr. Vishnu assesses the extent of joint destruction, bone quality, leg length, and your functional goals. The implant system, bearing surface, fixation method, and surgical approach are discussed. Pre-operative blood work and cardiac clearance are arranged before admission.
Surgery day
Under spinal anaesthesia with sedation, the procedure takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes. The damaged femoral head is removed and replaced with the selected stem and head component. The acetabulum is prepared and fitted with the socket shell and bearing liner. Component positioning, stability, and leg length are checked before closure. You are in the recovery room within two hours.
Early mobilisation
Most patients walk with a frame or walker within 24 hours. Full weight-bearing is permitted immediately in the majority of cases. The multimodal pain management protocol, including nerve blocks and periarticular infiltration, ensures comfort during early rehabilitation. A physiotherapist guides you through hip precautions, safe transfers, and progressive walking.
Discharge and rehabilitation
Discharge typically occurs on Day 3 to Day 5. You leave with a structured home exercise programme focusing on hip range of motion and strengthening. Follow-up appointments are scheduled at Week 2, Week 6, and Month 3. Walking with a stick typically begins by Week 2 to 3. Most patients return to independent walking by 6 to 8 weeks and to full activity by 3 months.
Why Aster MIMS Kannur?
Aster MIMS Kannur is an NABH-accredited multispecialty hospital and part of the Aster DM Healthcare network. The orthopaedic department operates a dedicated joint replacement suite with laminar airflow theatres, advanced imaging, and a rapid recovery programme designed around early mobilisation and multimodal pain management.
Book at Aster MIMSNABH Accredited
National Accreditation Board for Hospitals certification, verifying adherence to patient safety and quality standards across every department.
Dedicated Joint Replacement Suite
Laminar airflow operating theatre purpose-built for high-volume arthroplasty. Ultra-low infection rates through rigorous theatre protocols and air handling systems.
Rapid Recovery Protocol
Multimodal analgesia, early mobilisation from Day 0, and structured physiotherapy. Designed to minimise hospital stay and accelerate your return to independence.
Continuous Post-Operative Support
WhatsApp access to the surgical team throughout recovery. Scheduled video follow-ups for patients who cannot visit in person. Your care does not end at discharge.
Hip replacement FAQ
When should I consider hip replacement?
Hip replacement is recommended when you have bone-on-bone arthritis, avascular necrosis, or a hip fracture that cannot be fixed with internal fixation. Conservative treatments including medication, physiotherapy, and activity modification should have been given an adequate trial. Persistent groin pain that limits walking, disturbs sleep, or prevents you from sitting comfortably are strong indicators that surgery may be appropriate.
What is the difference between anterior and posterior hip replacement?
These are two different surgical approaches to reach the hip joint. The posterior approach goes through the back of the hip and is the most established technique with the longest track record. The anterior approach goes through the front and is muscle-sparing in select patients. Both use the same implants and achieve the same final result. Dr. Vishnu selects the approach based on your anatomy, body habitus, and the complexity of your case.
How long does a hip replacement last?
Modern hip replacement implants have published survivorship rates exceeding 95% at 15 to 20 years in international joint replacement registries. Longevity depends on the bearing surface, fixation method, surgical technique, and your activity level. Ceramic bearing surfaces in particular show excellent wear characteristics over two decades.
What are the bearing surface options?
The bearing surface is the interface where the ball moves against the socket. Options include ceramic-on-polyethylene, which is the most commonly used combination with excellent long-term data, and ceramic-on-ceramic, which offers the lowest wear rates and is considered for younger, more active patients. Dr. Vishnu selects the bearing surface based on your age, activity demands, and bone quality.
Is cemented or uncemented fixation better?
Cementless fixation provides immediate stability and has the most extensive published evidence for long-term durability. It is the preferred method for most patients. Uncemented fixation relies on bone growing into the implant surface and may be considered for select younger patients with good bone quality. The decision is based on your age, bone density, and activity level.
What is revision hip replacement?
Revision hip replacement is the replacement of a failed or worn-out previous hip implant. It is a more complex procedure than primary hip replacement because it involves managing bone loss around the old implant, addressing instability, and sometimes treating infection. Dr. Vishnu has subspecialty training in revision arthroplasty from PGIMER Chandigarh, one of India's highest-volume revision centres.
How soon can I walk after hip replacement?
Most patients walk with a frame or walker within 24 hours of surgery. Full weight-bearing is permitted immediately in most cases. The multimodal pain management protocol at Aster MIMS, including nerve blocks and periarticular infiltration, ensures that you are comfortable enough to mobilise early. Walking with a stick typically begins by Week 2 to 3, and independent walking by 6 to 8 weeks.
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