Total Hip Replacement Surgery

Total hip replacement surgery is a procedure that replaces all parts of the hip joint with an artificial implant made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. Also known as total hip arthroplasty, the surgery can reduce pain and restore mobility.

Why Would I Have Total Hip Replacement Surgery?

If your hip pain related to joint damage affects your daily life and doesn't improve with conservative treatments, total hip replacement surgery may be the right choice. The surgery can treat many hip conditions that cause severe pain and limit mobility, including:

• Osteoarthritis: Damages joint cartilage
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Causes joint damage and inflammation
• Avascular necrosis: Joint deterioration caused by a loss of blood supply
• Hip fractures: Impaired joint function caused by broken bones
• Post-traumatic arthritis: Joint damage following an injury
• Hip dysplasia: A congenital condition that affects joint function

How Can This Surgery Help Me?

By replacing the entire damaged hip joint, the surgery can reduce pain and significantly restore mobility. Once you've recovered, your new hip joint should allow you to return to everyday activities.

What Type of Anesthesia is Used?

Total hip replacement surgery can be performed using:

• General anesthesia: You will be asleep during the surgery.
• Regional anesthesia: Your surgeon will use a nerve block to numb the area below the waist. You will not be fully awake, but in a sleepy “twilight” state. You won't feel anything during the procedure.

What Are the Risks?

As with any surgery, total hip replacement carries some risk of complications, including:

• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Infection
• Implant failure
• Nerve damage
• Leg length discrepancy
• Need for revision surgery in the future
• Reduced range of motion
• Hip joint dislocation

What Will My Recovery Involve?

Recovery after total hip replacement surgery involves:

• Hospital stay: Some patients are able to go home the same day, but other patients stay anywhere between 1-3 days; some patients may stay longer, depending on the complexity of the procedure and overall health.
• Pain management: Nerve blocks and medications can help control discomfort as you recover.
• Physical therapy: These exercises are designed to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
• Supportive devices: You may need to use braces or canes as you recover.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Most patients return to their normal activities within 2-4 months. Your recovery will depend on several factors, including your age, overall health, and adherence to your rehabilitation plan.

What Improvements Can I Expect? 

Most patients can expect to experience reduced pain, improved mobility, and better overall joint function. Many patients can return to a more active lifestyle.

What Are My Alternative Treatment Options?

Nonsurgical Treatments

• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
• Pain medications
• Physical therapy and exercise to improve strength and flexibility
• Supportive devices (braces and canes)

Surgical Treatments

• Hip resurfacing: Replaces hip joint surfaces with smooth metal while preserving more bone, but is reserved for younger men with primary osteoarthritis.
• Arthroscopic hip surgery: Uses a minimally invasive approach to repair joint damage and remove loose cartilage or bone chips. This procedure is only done for patients younger than 50 years old with no signs of any arthritis.

What Improvements Can I Expect?

After successful surgery, patients can expect:

• Significant pain reduction or elimination
• Improved joint function and mobility
• Enhanced ability to perform daily activities
• Greater independence and overall quality of life

What Is the Outlook for Total Hip Replacement?

The success rate of total hip replacement surgery is high, with most patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved mobility.

How Long Will My Implant Last?

Hip implants can last 20 years or longer, depending on factors like your activity level and overall health.