Total Hip Replacement
What is Total Hip Replacement
If you’re experiencing a lot of pain in your hip, your healthcare provider may recommend a procedure called a hip replacement.
This common surgery replaces your hip bone(s) with an artificial one, enabling you to move easier and without pain. Recovering from a hip replacement takes time, and there are many rules to follow to keep you safe and healing.
During hip replacement, a surgeon removes the damaged sections of the hip joint and replaces them with parts usually constructed of metal, ceramic and very hard plastic.
What are the types of hip replacements?
There are two major types of hip replacements:
Total hip replacement (the most common type): A total hip replacement switches both the femoral head and the acetabulum with a prosthesis.
Partial hip replacement: A partial replacement substitutes the femoral head only. This is typically done for patients with certain types of hip fractures.
symptoms
- Pain in the anterior hip or groin.
- Pain in the buttock and trochanteric region.
- Pain with activity and at rest.
- Pain that gets worse when you put weight on the leg.
- Stiffness/tightness of the hip.
- Loss of motion.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Difficulty walking.
- Difficulty putting on shoes and socks.
Procedure
The surgical procedure can be completed within two hours. To perform a hip replacement, the surgeon:
- Makes an incision over the hip, through the layers of tissue
- Removes diseased and damaged bone and cartilage, leaving healthy bone intact
- Implants the replacement socket into the pelvic bone
- Inserts a metal stem
Treatments
Medical Evaluation
If you decide to have hip replacement surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon may ask you to have a complete physical examination by your primary care doctor before your surgical procedure.
Tests
Several tests, such as blood and urine samples, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and chest x-rays, may be needed to help plan your surgery.
What are the benefits of a hip replacement?
Relief from pain is the greatest benefit and the major reason for hip replacement surgery. The procedure offers other benefits, including:
- Improved movement.
- Improved strength.
- Improved coordination of the torso and leg.
- The ability to walk, climb stairs and maintain an active lifestyle in greater comfort.
Risks
Most patients do well with hip replacement. As with any surgical procedure, there are some risks during and after a hip replacement:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Leg length discrepancy
- Injury to nearby nerves
- Fracture
- Continued pain or stiffness
- Dislocation