When painkillers, anti-inflammatory medication, injections, physiotherapy and the use of crutches fail to adequately settle the pain of hip osteoarthritis then hip replacement is the intervention of choice.

Hip replacement surgery is routine surgery, with predictably good clinical outcomes. Patients usually become pain free, recover their mobility and independence.

During surgery the femoral head and the damaged joint surface of the socket are removed and replaced with a total hip implant. Implant designs, fixation and joint bearings have changed over time. Latest generation implants last ever longer and withstand higher usage. The National Joint Registries are a good source of information about individual implant performance. HC Marbella uses the best performing implants for its patients.

Dr Boerger uses calibrated digital x-ray images of the hips and computer based planning software to match the patient’s hip with the best fitting implant that recreates the individual hip geometry so that leg length, offset and center of rotation are matching. Dr Boerger has introduced robotic assisted knee surgery at HC Marbella International Hospital and will be applying robotics to hip replacement surgery in the future.

As a result of software assisted planning Dr Boerger knows which hip implant shape and size to use before the surgery. This invariably leads to a smoother and quicker operation minimizing unexpected events. Patients can be reassured that everything is done to match their hip with the best fitting hip implant.

To minimize the risks of joint replacement surgery, patients are thoroughly assessed well in advance of surgery. The aim is to identify and optimize any existing medical condition such as anemia, diabetes, heart disease and kidney failure, but also to identify and treat carriers of MRSA and MSSA. Urinary tract infections need to be identified and treated, skin conditions and gum infections are considered for treatment as well.

When it comes to surgery Dr Boerger and his team wear space suits, operate under a lamina flow canopy and use the latest available antiseptic skin preparation. Large patients and those with predictable skin healing problems receive suction dressings (PICO, Smith& Nephew) after surgery. The surgeon and his team follow the recommendations of the international consensus group on prevention of prosthetic joint infection.

Smoking is the single biggest avoidable risk factor for wound healing problems, infection and blood clot formation. Smokers must stop 6 weeks before and for 6 weeks after surgery. Smoking cessation and therapy can be provided at HC International.

The patient journey typically begins with a consultation with Dr Boerger, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Joint Replacement Specialist. He will listen to your particular problem, take a history and examine you. Relevant x-ray imaging can be obtained there and then to complement the assessment. Dr Boerger will be able to set out a treatment plan and if this involves hip replacement he will be able to template your hip for replacement in your presence. If surgery is suggested, Dr Boerger will discuss alternatives to surgery will also be offered. Dr Boerger will discuss expected outcomes of surgery and time to full rehabilitation including the possible need for physiotherapy. Dr Boerger always informs his patients about potential risks and known complications of the proposed surgery. All patients will receive a detailed clinic letter within the next 5-7 days. Patients are never rushed into surgery. Dr Boerger would happily meet with you again to discuss any queries or concerns.

HC International Hospital will provide an all-inclusive quotation for the suggested treatment upon request and can help with Insurance matters.

Once a decision to proceed with surgery has been made, the patient coordinator will be able to discuss suitable dates for pre-assessment, surgery and follow-up.