Hip arthroplasty helps restore quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, fractures, and other serious conditions affecting the hip joint. In complex cases, implantation of an artificial joint may be the only effective way to eliminate pain, stiffness, and other symptoms that significantly limit a patient’s mobility and daily activity.

Mashtaler Ortho & Trauma Clinic performs hip replacement surgery in Lviv. Advanced technologies and extensive surgical experience allow our specialists to successfully restore joint mobility even in severe cases while ensuring rapid rehabilitation.

Hip Arthroplasty — an Effective Solution for Pain

Hip arthroplasty is a surgical procedure that involves replacing the damaged hip joint with an artificial implant. This operation allows patients to return to an active lifestyle, even when conservative treatment methods no longer provide sufficient relief.

Modern hip prostheses are made from titanium, ceramic materials, and high-performance medical polymers. This combination of materials ensures durability and reliability — implants typically function effectively for 15–20 years, even under significant load. These materials are biocompatible and are well tolerated by the body in the vast majority of patients.

Indications for Hip Replacement Surgery

Modern traumatology prioritizes the most conservative and joint-preserving treatment methods whenever possible. If the hip joint can be treated successfully without surgery, surgical intervention is usually avoided. However, in some cases hip arthroplasty remains the only effective treatment option.

Indications for hip joint replacement include:

• advanced coxarthrosis (stage III–IV)
• ankylosing spondylitis (Bechterew’s disease)
• avascular necrosis of the femoral head
• nonunion fractures
• rheumatoid arthritis
• tumors of the femoral head or neck
• fractures of the acetabulum or femoral neck in elderly patients (usually over 60–65 years)
• congenital hip dysplasia

Symptoms That May Indicate the Need for Hip Replacement

• persistent pain in the hip or groin, both during movement and at rest
• noticeable shortening of the affected limb
• limping or a sensation of joint “locking” during walking
• stiffness after prolonged sitting or lying down
• limitations in daily activities, such as difficulty dressing or climbing stairs

Diagnosis of Hip Joint Disorders

The first step is always a consultation with a qualified orthopedic specialist. A comprehensive examination helps assess the condition of the cartilage, bones, and surrounding structures in order to determine the optimal treatment strategy.

Diagnostic evaluation may include:

• medical history and physical examination
• functional assessment of joint mobility and pain level
• X-ray imaging of the hip joint in several projections
• MRI, CT, or ultrasound for detailed evaluation of muscles, blood vessels, and periarticular tissues

During the consultation, the surgeon will also discuss the estimated cost of hip replacement surgery and recommend the most appropriate surgical method based on the patient’s medical condition and individual needs.

Contraindications to Hip Arthroplasty

Although hip arthroplasty is often the most effective treatment method, certain conditions may contraindicate surgery, including:

• blood clotting disorders
• malignant tumors
• acute or generalized infections
• septic arthritis
• severe heart or lung disease in the stage of decompensation
• uncontrolled diabetes mellitus

Excess body weight is considered a relative contraindication. If body weight remains uncontrolled, increased mechanical stress on the implant may shorten its lifespan and eventually require revision surgery.

Types of Hip Arthroplasty

Total hip arthroplasty is the most effective treatment for severe joint destruction. During this procedure both the femoral head and the acetabulum are replaced with prosthetic components.

Partial (unipolar) arthroplasty is typically performed in cases of limited joint damage or femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. In this procedure only the femoral head is replaced. It is less invasive and usually allows for a faster postoperative recovery.

Implants can also differ according to the method of fixation:

Cementless fixation
A widely used technique in which the prosthesis is implanted directly into the bone, allowing natural bone growth to secure the implant over time.

Cemented fixation
Bone cement is used to ensure stable fixation of the implant. This method is often recommended for patients with osteoporosis or reduced bone density.

Innovative Technique — Anterior Approach

Mashtaler Ortho & Trauma Clinic was among the first clinics in Ukraine to introduce anterior approach hip arthroplasty, also known as the bikini approach.

This minimally invasive technique allows the surgeon to separate muscles rather than cut them, which provides several important advantages:

• minimal soft tissue trauma
• reduced postoperative pain
• faster recovery
• significantly lower risk of joint dislocation
• a less visible scar located in the natural skin fold of the groin area

At our clinic in Lviv, patients can undergo hip arthroplasty using this advanced technique, ensuring safe surgery, effective results, and a comfortable rehabilitation period.

How Hip Replacement Surgery Is Performed at Mashtaler Clinic

The surgical method is selected individually depending on the patient’s health status, clinical indications, and anatomical features. Successful hip arthroplasty requires thorough preparation and highly qualified surgeons.

Preparation for Hip Replacement Surgery

Before surgery, patients undergo comprehensive preoperative evaluation, including:

• blood and urine tests
• ECG, echocardiography, and consultation with a cardiologist and anesthesiologist
• evaluation of lower-limb veins to assess the risk of thrombosis
• nasal and oral swabs to detect pathogenic microorganisms
• assessment of possible allergic reactions

The orthopedic surgeon will select a prosthesis from a reliable manufacturer, taking into account the patient’s age, body structure, and activity level.

How Is the Operation Performed?

In most cases, hip replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia. If necessary, regional (spinal) anesthesia may be used to numb the lower part of the body.

The procedure typically includes the following steps:

1. The surgeon makes a skin incision to access the hip joint.
   When using the anterior approach, muscles are gently separated rather than cut.
2. Damaged joint structures are removed.
   The bones are carefully prepared to ensure secure fixation of the implant.
3. The artificial prosthesis is implanted.
   If necessary, bone cement is used for additional fixation.
4. The surgical wound is closed and sterile dressings are applied.
   The rehabilitation phase then begins.

Possible Complications

Hip arthroplasty is considered one of the most successful procedures in orthopedic surgery. However, as with any surgical intervention, certain complications may occur, including:

• infection
• blood clots in the lower extremities
• implant dislocation (significantly reduced with the anterior approach)
• nerve or blood vessel injury
• persistent pain
• implant rejection (extremely rare)

Specialists at Mashtaler Ortho & Trauma Clinic follow modern surgical protocols designed to prevent complications and ensure rapid response if they occur.

Rehabilitation After Hip Replacement

Early mobilization is an important part of recovery. Patients usually begin gentle activity on the day of surgery, including assisted standing, walking with crutches or a walker, and simple exercises to prevent muscle weakness and improve coordination.

Physical activity gradually increases during recovery. Within 1–6 weeks, physiotherapy exercises are introduced to strengthen muscles, restore balance, and improve range of motion.

Most patients return to their normal lifestyle within 9–12 weeks after surgery. With regular exercise and adherence to medical recommendations, they can walk independently, remain physically active, and travel.

Price for Hip Arthroplasty at Our Center

The cost of hip replacement surgery in Lviv is determined individually. It depends on the specific diagnosis, surgical technique, implant type, and the patient’s overall health condition.