Hip Replacement Surgery
What is a hip replacement?
A total hip replacement is a surgical procedure to replace the ball and socket joint of the hip to reduce pain and increase mobility.
The most common factor contributing to the necessity of joint replacement surgery is osteoarthritis.
Am I a good candidate for a hip replacement?
You are a good candidate for a hip replacement if:
- Your hip pain interferes with your normal, routine activities
- Physical therapy and conservative management have not helped to control your hip pain
- You have imaging findings demonstrating significant cartilage loss or damage or advanced osteonecrosis, a condition caused by abnormal blood flow to the femoral head (the “ball” in the ball and socket joint)
What are the benefits of a total hip replacement?
A total hip replacement provides the following benefits:
- Alleviation of your hip pain and increased mobility of the hip
- Return to your normal, everyday activities
- Involvement in limited sports activities such as golf, tennis and walking
What can I expect from hip replacement surgery?
- A complete pre-operative workup that will focus on preparing you for your minimally invasive hip replacement
- One to two hour surgery time
- One to three night stay in the hospital, with physical therapy beginning the day following surgery
- A comprehensive pain management protocol, reducing your dependence on pain medication day by day
- Return to basic daily activities within 2-3 weeks
- Return to relatively normal activities by 2-3 months