Hip Arthroplasty
Andreas Leonidou
Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Cost
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What Is Hip Arthroplasty?
Total hip arthroplasty is the replacement of the worn articular surfaces of the bones that come into contact within the joint. The surfaces are replaced with artificial implants, known as prostheses. The materials used are made of metal and are fully compatible with the human body.
Hip arthroplasty is usually performed to relieve pain and restore range of motion after conservative treatment has failed.
Conditions Treated with Hip Arthroplasty
The most common hip conditions treated with arthroplasty are:
Osteoarthritis – destruction of the articular surfaces
Post-traumatic arthritis, meaning arthritis resulting from a hip injury
Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritides
Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis) of the femoral head
Orthopaedic Surgeon’s Experience in Hip Arthroplasty
Dr Leonidou completed all of his training and specialisation in the United Kingdom, performing a large volume of hip arthroplasties. In Greece, he applies minimally invasive – bloodless hip arthroplasty techniques with rapid recovery and rehabilitation protocols.
ALMIS Technique – Minimally Invasive Approach
Dr Leonidou applies the minimally invasive ALMIS technique. This technique allows access to the joint without damaging the muscles surrounding the hip.
Preoperatively, the patient’s X-rays are imported into specialised software that creates a three-dimensional digital model, based on which the personalised surgical plan is developed (digital templating).
Advantages of the Minimally Invasive Technique
Personalised preoperative planning
Small incision – excellent cosmetic result
Specialised approach that does not damage the underlying tissues
Accurate placement of prosthetic components
Bloodless procedure – no blood transfusion required
No postoperative pain
Fewer intraoperative and postoperative complications
Reduced risk of postoperative dislocation
Shorter hospital stay – fast track protocol
Immediate mobilisation and weight-bearing of the hip – rapid recovery protocol
Preoperative Preparation for Arthroplasty
The patient will be informed about the proposed surgical treatment with arthroplasty. The anaesthesiologist will examine the patient, take a detailed medical history, and organise the preoperative assessment.
The preoperative assessment includes routine blood tests, a chest X-ray, and a cardiological evaluation. The anaesthesiologist will provide the necessary instructions regarding the use or discontinuation of medications before surgery, as well as when the patient should begin fasting.
Anaesthesia and Hospital Admission
The patient is admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery. The specialised anaesthesiologist Dr Koutra administers regional anaesthesia, which ensures the absence of postoperative pain and allows immediate mobilisation of the patient.
The patient does not receive general anaesthesia.
Duration of the Procedure
The surgery lasts approximately 60–90 minutes.
Is the Incision Large in Hip Arthroplasty?
Dr Leonidou applies minimally invasive techniques for hip arthroplasty. The incision is located on the lateral side of the hip and is less than 10 centimetres in length.
Postoperative Instructions and Exercises After Surgery – Rehabilitation
After surgery, the patient returns to the ward. Immediate mobilisation is encouraged, initially possibly with the assistance of a walking aid. The patient does not have a urinary catheter or drains.
Postoperatively, a blood test is performed to check haemoglobin levels. The bloodless techniques applied by Dr Leonidou almost eliminate the need for postoperative blood transfusion.
Hospital Stay Duration
The patient is discharged from the hospital less than 24 hours after surgery, walking normally with weight-bearing on the operated leg (fast track – rapid recovery protocol).
What Materials Are Used?
The materials used are metallic (cobalt-chromium, titanium alloy) and polyethylene. Occasionally, ceramic materials may also be used.
Dr Leonidou uses the most modern and reliable materials, ensuring the best function and greater durability of the new joint.
Recovery and Rehabilitation After Hip Arthroplasty
Before discharge from the hospital, the patient will discuss in detail with Dr Leonidou the surgical findings and will receive the relevant booklet with postoperative instructions.
The patient will be monitored by a physiotherapist from our team, following an individualised rehabilitation protocol. Simple oral painkillers are recommended for a few days, as well as ice therapy.
For approximately six weeks after surgery, the patient should take specific precautions to protect the new joint. More specifically, sleeping on the back with a pillow between the legs is recommended, low chairs should be avoided, and crossing the legs should be avoided.
Surgical Success
Hip arthroplasty is a demanding surgical procedure and requires a specialised surgeon with a high volume of cases. In experienced hands, it provides excellent results both in eliminating pain and in restoring the patient’s function.
It is a safe technique with extremely low complication rates.
Pain relief is immediate and functional hip movement is fully restored.
Lifespan of Hip Arthroplasty
The correct positioning of the arthroplasty components is an important factor that determines its lifespan. In the hands of specialised surgeon Dr Leonidou, the lifespan of hip arthroplasty exceeds 25–30 years in most patients.
What Is the Cost and Price of the Procedure? How Much Does It Cost?
The cost is quite affordable and is adjusted according to the severity of each case. The cost of the procedure includes the arthroplasty implant, hospital stay expenses, and the fee of the surgical team.
There is also participation from the patient’s insurance fund (EOPYY). Patients with private insurance are covered according to the terms of their insurance policy.
For more information, please contact us.
If you suffer from osteoarthritis and require hip arthroplasty, consult the specialised Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Andreas Leonidou. The doctor has 14 years of continuous experience abroad and specialises in hip arthroplasty with a high volume of cases.
Book your appointment for immediate diagnosis, specialist care, and targeted treatment in just one visit.