Total Hip Replacement
What is it and how is it performed?
Total Hip Replacement Overview
Total hip replacement is an advanced and effective orthopedic procedure. It treats a variety of hip conditions and injuries that cause pain and decrease hip function and quality of life. Hip pain patients are encouraged to make an appointment with a Sano Orthopedics hip specialist to find out if total hip replacement is an appropriate treatment option.
How is a total hip replacement performed?
A total hip replacement is an inpatient procedure performed under regional or general anesthesia. A Sano specialist:
- Begins surgery. Soft tissues are delicately retraced. The hip joint is visualized.
- Prepares the joint. Diseased and damaged bone is removed. Remaining bone is smoothed and prepared for implants.
- Creates a new hip. A perfectly sized stem is bonded to the hollow part of the femur (leg bone). A ceramic ball is placed and secured on the stem. A metal socket is bonded to the pelvic acetabulum. A plastic spacer is placed and secured in the socket.
Dissolvable sutures close deep and superficial tissue layers. Skin glue closes the skin. A sterile dressing is placed over the surgical site. Total procedure time is 1-2 hours.
What conditions can total hip replacement treat?
Total hip replacement treats:
- Avascular necrosis
- Hip fractures
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Posttraumatic arthritis
Total hip replacement may be recommended when:
- Symptoms do not respond to nonsurgical and minimally invasive treatment options
- Symptoms make everyday movements difficult and decrease the quality of life
What are total hip replacement advantages?
Total hip replacement benefits many patients. Advantages include:
- Dramatically improved quality of life
- Improved hip strength, function, and flexibility
- Pain relief
- Quick recovery
Patients are able to do activities and jobs they previously could not because of pain and other symptoms.
What is total hip replacement recovery like?
A 1-3 night private room hospital stay occurs. Pain is monitored and infection risk is minimized. Physical therapy is started on the day of the procedure. A Sano specialist sees the patient while in the hospital and for the first follow up appointment after about two weeks. Incision, mobility, and x-rays are assessed at this appointment. Follow up appointments occur at 6 weeks, 3 months and 1 year.