Total Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement surgery, also called arthroplasty, is an option for many suffering with pain from dysplasia or osteoarthritis, a disease that involves the breakdown of cartilage in one or more joints. This causes bones in the affected area to grind against each other, causing severe pain and limited joint mobility.

The first total hip replacement surgery was performed more than 40 years ago, and since then, millions of people have received hip replacements. Total hip replacement involves removing the diseased bone and cartilage and resurfacing it with orthopedic implants.

During the surgery, the bones in the hip are exposed by an incision made on the side of the hip. The damaged sections of bone are removed to make room for the replacement components. The thighbone receives a metal alloy stem and ball, and the pelvis receives a metal cup and liner. The implants are designed to create a new smoothly functioning joint that prevents painful bone-on-bone contact. There are several materials that can be used to line the socket in your pelvis including polyethylene (plastic), metal, and ceramic to act as healthy cartilage. Your surgeon will evaluate your specific condition and discuss which option will provide the most favorable results for you.

Total hip replacement is one option available to you and your surgeon. Only your orthopedic surgeon can determine if you are a candidate for this implant or if another type of implant would better suit your unique situation.

Total Hip Replacement Complications

While uncommon, complications can occur during and after surgery. Some complications include infection, blood clots, implant breakage, malalignment, and premature wear. Although implant surgery is extremely successful in most cases, some patients still experience stiffness and pain. No implant will last forever and factors such as the patient’s post-surgical activities and weight can affect longevity. Be sure to discuss these and other risks with your surgeon.

Preparing for Total Hip Replacement Surgery

Patients should begin preoperative strengthening exercises to help them prepare for surgery and their recovery. Patients may be given a comprehensive nutrition plan to help ensure optimum health before surgery.

There are many things that your surgeon may do to minimize the potential for complications. Your surgeon may have you see a medical physician before surgery to obtain tests. You may also need to have your dental work up to date and may be shown how to prepare your home to avoid falls.

After Total Hip Replacement Surgery

After surgery, you probably will be hospitalized for 3 to 5 days. During this time, you will receive pain medication and begin physical therapy. It is important to start moving your new hip as soon as possible after surgery to promote blood flow, to regain hip motion, and to facilitate the recovery process. You should be out of bed and walking with crutches or a walker within 24 hours of your surgery.

Before you leave the hospital, your therapist will show you a variety of exercises designed to help you regain mobility and strength in your hip. You should be able to perform these exercises on your own at home. You will be shown how to safely climb and descend stairs, how to get into and out of a seated position, and how to care for your hip once you return home.

At home, it is important to continue with your exercises as your physician has instructed. It is a good idea to enlist the help of friends or family to help you once you do return home

Total Hip Replacement Recovery

Every person’s recovery time will vary, but most people should be able to walk without support and drive 3 to 6 weeks after surgery. Activities such as golfing, playing tennis and swimming can usually be resumed after a thorough evaluation by your surgeon. Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to these activities and will also tell you which activities to avoid.

You will typically not be allowed to participate in high-impact activities or contact sports. These types of activities place extreme pressure on the hip joint, which could lead to complications.