Replacing the femoral head

The femoral bone into which the prosthesis stem is to be placed is subsequently prepared. To this end, the size of the interior of the femoral bone, the so-called medullary cavity, must be adapted to the prosthesis stem. Before fixing the prosthesis stem – with or without bone cement – in the femoral bone, it is firstly checked to ensure that the cavity is the correct size.

→ How is the hip endoprosthesis secured?

The artificial femoral head is finally placed onto the prosthesis stem.

All the necessary joint parts are now in place and the artificial femoral head can be fitted into the prosthetic cup.All the necessary joint parts are now in place and the artificial femoral head can be fitted into the prosthetic cup.

The surgeon now checks that the joint can be optimally moved. If necessary, the artificial femoral head can be exchanged for a bigger or smaller version.

The muscles are sutured and the wound is closed using either sutures or staples. In order to avoid effusions of blood at the site of operation, two small tubes (so-called Redon drains) are placed in the wound to allow any blood or secretions which seep out to drain away. These are removed after two to three days.

Before the patient wakes up, a secure dressing is applied and a first X-ray is taken. This allows the surgeon to check the exact position of the hip endoprosthesis. The skin staples or stitches are moved after around 10 to 12 days.

Immediately after the operation, the patient is initially monitored and cared for by specially trained personnel and anaesthetists in the recovery room. If necessary, infusions or pain killers are administered. Once the patient's general condition has stabilised, he or she is transferred to his or her room on the normal ward.