Image of doctors performing total hip replacement surgery in operating room.
Image of x-ray image of hip joint ball and socket.

What is Total Hip Replacement Surgery?

During a total hip replacement surgery, Dr. Wood removes the head and neck of your femur and the damaged acetabulum. A ball and socket made of metal and plastic replaces your hip joint. This is called the implant or prosthesis. It has a ball at one end, and a stem at the other end. The stem is put in the end of the femur and a ball of steel and plastic fits into the socket of your pelvis. These parts move smoothly together to let you move easily. The operation usually lasts 1 – 1 1/2 hours.

Dr. Wood performs cemented or un-cemented total hip replacement surgery through a posterior approach. Artificial joint components may be made of medical-grade metal, plastic, ceramic or some combination of these materials. Dr. Wood will decide on the type of joint to be used, matching your needs with a suitable type of material. The type of component you receive generally depends on your age, gender, bone quality and lifestyle. It is known that different types of implants perform better or with less complications in those categories, and Dr. Wood aims to give you the best performing hip with least complication for each individual patient. The right operation the first time!

The complexity of your surgery may require special techniques or implants and may vary. The indication for hip replacement is pain and stiffness significantly affecting the patients quality of life having failed non-operative measures.

Success Rate & Risks

Patients undergoing a Total Hip Replacement surgery have a 95% success rate, restoring mobility and function without complication. Patients of uncomplicated procedures could expect a hip replacement to last at least 10 years and much longer if cared for.

Despite everyone’s best efforts things can go wrong. Five percent of patients can develop complications. However, complications are minimized by Dr. Wood through prevention and recognising certain at risk patients.

Dr. Wood performs over 150 Hip Surgeries per year.

Total Hip Replacement

Refer a Patient

Image of woman writing in book.

Total Hip Replacement Surgery Pre-Op Instructions

Prior to surgery, all patients should have attended the pre-opertive assessment clinic at Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston. This will be arranged by Dr Wood’s office.

Check the date and hospital you are having your surgery. Surgeries can be performed at the Hotel Dieu Hospital or Kingston General Hospital.

All information pertaining to your surgery should be read. Copies of documentation are available in our Patient Resources section.

The day before surgery:

  • No food after midnight
  • No smoking
  • No alcohol
  • Check the time and place of arrival at Hospital
  • Prepare your belongings for hospital stay
  • Include medications, toiletries, clothing ,housecoat and slippers
  • Health Cards, Insurance Cards
  • Shower with the soap provided
  • Remove all nail polish and jewellery
  • Do not bring valuables to hospital

Joint Replacement Surgery

Physio assisting patient after hip surgery.

Total Hip Replacement Surgery Rehab Instructions

Patients having total hip replacement surgery are often mobilizing the same day as their operation and are typically full weight bearing. Your hospital stay will typically be 2 to 3 days and prior to discharge you will be walking independently, managing stairs, dressing and toileting yourself.

Precautions for the first 6 weeks include:

  • No Driving
  • No Hip Flexion >90 degrees
  • No crossing legs
  • No twisting
  • No swimming
  • Stationary Cycling allowed
  • Plenty of Walking

Hip Replacement Rehab Guide