Hip replacement surgery in Germany

The best hospitals for hip replacement surgery in Germany are listed below. The rank is based on multiple factors, including price, quality of the doctors, cost of treatment and the success rate from our user reviews.

Hip replacement

A hip replacement, also known as a total hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis. This surgery is typically performed to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and enhance the quality of life for individuals with hip problems, such as hip arthritis, hip fractures, or other hip joint conditions.

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, with the “ball” being the head of the femur (thigh bone) and the “socket” being the acetabulum in the pelvis. In a hip replacement procedure, the damaged or arthritic surfaces of both the femoral head and the acetabulum are removed and replaced with prosthetic components. The artificial joint typically consists of a metal or ceramic ball that is attached to a stem that is inserted into the femur and a socket component that is implanted in the acetabulum. A liner made of plastic, metal, or ceramic is often used between the ball and socket to allow for smooth movement.

The primary goals of hip replacement surgery are:

Pain Relief: Hip replacement surgery is effective in relieving chronic pain and discomfort caused by hip joint problems, enabling patients to regain their mobility and improve their quality of life.

Improved Function: By restoring the hip joint’s normal function, patients can regain their ability to walk, climb stairs, and perform daily activities without pain and limitations.

Enhanced Joint Stability: The artificial joint is designed to provide stability and durability, allowing for better movement and reduced risk of further joint damage.

The decision to undergo a hip replacement is typically made after careful evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon. Factors considered include the patient’s medical history, the extent of hip joint damage, age, overall health, and the impact of hip pain on daily life. While hip replacements are highly successful and have significantly improved the quality of life for many individuals, it’s important to understand that they are major surgical procedures, and recovery and rehabilitation are typically necessary. Patients are usually advised to engage in physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the affected hip.

What types of hip replacements can be used

There are different types of hip replacements or total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures that can be used, and the choice of the specific type depends on the patient’s condition, the surgeon’s recommendation, and various factors such as age, activity level, and the extent of hip joint damage. The primary types of hip replacements include:

Cemented Hip Replacement: In this type of hip replacement, both the femoral and acetabular components are fixed in place using bone cement. The cement creates a strong bond between the artificial components and the bone. Cemented hip replacements are often used for older patients with weaker bones.

Uncemented Hip Replacement: Uncemented hip replacements rely on the porous surface of the prosthesis to encourage natural bone growth and fixation. Over time, the patient’s bone will grow into and around the implant, making it a more stable and long-lasting option. Uncemented hip replacements are often recommended for younger, more active patients.

Hybrid Hip Replacement: In some cases, surgeons may use a combination of cemented and uncemented components. For example, they may use a cemented acetabular (socket) component and an uncemented femoral (stem) component, depending on the patient’s individual needs.

Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement: This is a surgical technique that uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments to perform the procedure with the goal of reducing postoperative pain, scarring, and recovery time. The type of fixation (cemented or uncemented) used in minimally invasive hip replacement can vary.

Hip Resurfacing: In hip resurfacing, only the damaged surface of the femoral head is reshaped and capped with a metal prosthesis. The procedure preserves more of the patient’s natural bone than traditional hip replacement. Hip resurfacing is less common today, as it’s usually recommended for select patients due to concerns about metal-on-metal hip implants.

Ceramic-on-Ceramic (CoC): This type of hip replacement uses ceramic components for both the ball and socket. Ceramic-on-ceramic implants are known for their smooth articulation and low wear rates.

Metal-on-Metal (MoM): In the past, metal-on-metal hip replacements were used, but concerns about potential complications, including metallosis (metal toxicity), have led to a decrease in their use. They are not as commonly used today.

Ceramic-on-Polyethylene (CoP): This type uses a ceramic ball and a polyethylene (plastic) socket. It is a common choice for hip replacements and is known for its durability and low wear rates.

The choice of the specific type of hip replacement is determined by the surgeon after a thorough evaluation of the patient’s condition, needs, and medical history.

How is the hip replacement surgery performed

The surgery is typically performed by an orthopedic surgeon and involves several key steps:

Anesthesia: The surgery begins with the administration of anesthesia to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure. There are two primary options:
General Anesthesia: The patient is unconscious and does not feel any pain during the surgery.
Regional Anesthesia (Spinal or Epidural Anesthesia): Anesthesia is administered to numb the lower half of the body, allowing the patient to remain awake but pain-free.

Incision: The surgeon makes an incision on the side or front of the hip, exposing the hip joint.

Femoral Head Removal: The damaged or arthritic femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) is carefully removed.

Acetabular Preparation: The acetabulum (the socket of the hip joint) is prepared to receive the acetabular component of the prosthesis. This may involve removing any remaining cartilage or damaged bone.

Placement of Hip Prosthesis: The artificial components are inserted. The femoral component, which consists of a stem with a ball on the end, is inserted into the femur. The acetabular component, which includes a socket, is secured in the acetabulum.

Femoral Head Replacement: A new, artificial femoral head is attached to the femoral stem. The femoral head is typically made of metal or ceramic and is designed to smoothly articulate with the acetabular component.

Closure: The surgeon carefully closes the incision with sutures or staples. A drain may be placed to remove any excess fluids.

How much does a hip replacement cost in Germany

The estimated cost of a hip replacement in Germany can range from approximately €14.000 to €19.000.

Best hospitals for hip replacement surgery in Germany

Here are some well-regarded hospitals in Germany known for their orthopedic departments and expertise in hip replacement surgery:
Nordwest Hospital Frankfurt am Main.
University Hospital Rechts der Isar.
Rotkreuz Hospital Frankfurt am Main.
University Hospital Heidelberg.