When patients have similar pathology to both hips, it is sometimes beneficial to have bilateral total hip replacements. Whilst they are a safe procedure and certainly save considerable time in the recovery period, not all patients are suitable for bilateral total hip replacements. A bilateral total hip replacement means performing both hips during the same anaesthetic. I perform these regularly and they are performed in patients that have significant hip osteoarthritis in both sides. Watch the video above to learn some of the finer points regarding this. This video is suitable for those patients considering a total hip replacement on both sides as well as those who are about to embark on one. Some frequently asked questions will be populated below they arise.
How long do I stay in hospital
For a single side we usually have a two night stay in hospital whilst for a bilateral total hip replacement. Most patients stay in for at least three or four nights. Whilst there is no major criteria of when to go home, we require you to be safe mobilising, pain controlled, and most bodily functions performing reasonably well. Our physios were usually guide when the appropriate time to go home is, based on your safe mobilisation.
When can I swim, bath or go into the ocean.
4 weeks post op. Please don’t go in any earlier than that. We are waiting for a full seal of the wound to avoid infections getting in. This includes hydrotherapy. This is no different to a single side.
Are there more risks with a bilateral total hip replacement?
The risk profile of a bilateral total hip replacement is elevated compared to a single side given that you are essentially having twice as much surgery as a single total hip replacement. Therefore it is advisable that we only select patients who are fit and healthy, have no major medical comorbiditi capable of performing the activities required by the physiotherapist. There are some critical features which preclude patients from having a bilateral total hip replacement which I cover in the video above and include things like an elevated body mass index, or significant cardio pulmonary issues.