Total hip replacement

What is Total Hip Replacement?

Total hip replacement is a common orthopedic procedure with over 300,000 performed each year. It involves replacing damaged or arthritic hip bone and cartilage with artificial components that mimic the function of a healthy hip. This surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia in which a lateral hip incision is made, and the damaged bone and cartilage are removed, while metal and plastic components are sized perfectly and cemented into place. Patients should pay close attention to difficulty walking, instability, groin pain, hip pain, stiffness, and weakness as these symptoms may indicate the need for total hip replacement. Physical therapy is started on the day of surgery and continues throughout the recovery with a physical therapist. Our Board-Certified and Fellowship Trained hip specialists are total hip replacement experts who help patients return to an active lifestyle. Early treatment ensures symptoms improve as quickly as possible and the condition does not get worse.

Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces damaged or arthritic hip bone and cartilage with metal and plastic components that mimic the function of a healthy hip. The procedure is one of the most common orthopedic procedures with over 300,00 being performed each year. Our Joint Replacement experts have helped thousands of patients return to an active lifestyle using this innovative procedure.

After general anesthesia and pain medications are administered and the patient is completely asleep, the procedure is performed as follows:

• A lateral hip incision is made
• Muscles, tendons, and soft tissues are gently retracted to expose the hip joint
• Damaged hip bone and cartilage is removed and the bone is prepared for implants
• Metal and plastic components are sized perfectly and then cemented into place

The incision is carefully closed and sterilely dressed. The patient is brought to their private hospital room when they are awake and alert.

Physical therapy is started on the day of surgery and continues throughout the recovery with a physical therapist.

Our Board-Certified and Fellowship Trained hip specialists are total hip replacement experts who relieve patients’ symptoms and improve their quality of life.

What Does Total Hip Replacement Treat?

Total hip replacement may be recommended when nonsurgical treatment options do not improve the following:

• Osteoarthritis. Wear and tear of the hip bone and soft tissue.
• Avascular necrosis. Lack of blood supply to the hip bone.
• Rheumatoid arthritis. The body attacks its own hip bone and soft tissue.
• Post-traumatic arthritis. An accident or injury induces early-onset arthritis.

Symptoms patients should pay close attention to include:

• Difficulty walking
• Instability
• Groin pain
• Hip pain
• Stiffness
• Weakness

Patients are encouraged to make an appointment as soon as possible as early treatment ensures symptoms improve as quickly as possible and the condition does not get worse.