Total Hip Arthroplasty

A total hip replacement surgery is a surgery to replace the ball and socket joint in the hip. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint that allows the thighbone (femur) to move up and down as you walk and run. The thighbone fits into the socket in the hip, which is made of cartilage and bone. There are two main types of hip replacement surgery: a total hip replacement surgery replaces both the ball and socket joint in your hip, while a revision total hip replacement surgery replaces just one ball or socket joint.

Benefits of having a total knee replacement include pain relief from arthritis, improved mobility, and ease of daily activities. It is a common surgery, and the benefits of having one include:

Improved mobility: A hip replacement can improve your mobility and quality of life by giving you greater flexibility and range of motion in your hips.

Reduced pain: Hip replacements can often reduce or eliminate the pain you experience due to arthritis or other conditions that affect the hip joint.

Improved function: Hip replacements can also improve your overall function by restoring your ability to walk, climb stairs, and perform other activities you once enjoyed.

Reduced risk of future injury: Hip replacements often reduce the risk of future hip injuries by improving your balance and coordination.

While there is no set time frame for recovering from a hip replacement surgery, on average recovery can take between two and four weeks. Recovery, as the amount of time it takes to recover from surgery will depend on a number of factors such as the severity of hip injury, the surgical approach used, and post-operative care. With physical therapy starting soon after surgery to help facilitate optimal joint healing, patients can expect to be largely pain free three months out from your surgery.

During the first few weeks after hip replacement surgery, you will be given pain medication to take if needed. Your physical therapist will help guide you from using a walker to a cane or crutches, ultimately guiding you to walking and performing daily activities without any assistance.

Blood clots are a potential but rare complication after hip replacement surgery, so it is important that you take any blood thinners exactly as directed. Be aware of any signs of a blood clot, including leg swelling (with or without pain), shortness of breath, or chest pain. If you experience any of these symptoms, call 911 or go to the emergency room.

Minor hip pain can be controlled with self-care measures such as rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, and applying ice or heat therapy to the affected area. However, if the joint pain becomes more severe and/or chronic, you and your orthopedic doctor should discuss suitable treatment options and if a surgical procedure is right for you.

If you are wondering whether hip replacement surgery may be the right option for you, consider these telltale signs:

• You have chronic and intense hip pain and inflammation that cannot be helped with simple pain relievers.
• You find yourself having a lot of difficulties accomplishing normal daily activities, such as walking, getting into bed, showering, or dressing without considerable difficulty and hip pain.
• Hip pain and stiffness limit your range of motion in the joint.
• Conservative treatment – such as anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections into the hip (administered by your orthopedic doctor), and physical therapy – do not work to relieve your hip pain.
• X-rays reveal advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or significant damaged cartilage, or a hip fracture.
• Alternative, less-invasive surgical procedures are not likely to succeed in alleviating your pain and restoring your range of mobility.
• Your original surgery needs a hip revision surgery, due to the artificial joint or artificial hip wearing down or is otherwise damaged.

The goal of any joint replacement surgery is to help enable you to move without pain and limitations for as many years as possible with the new hip joint. One of the key factors in attaining that goal is the integrity of the material used in the implant’s bearing surface – namely, the interface between the ball and socket of the prosthesis that is responsible for enabling movement. After all, it is the bearing surface that sustains the force of everyday movements. It must withstand considerable stress and friction, and be both biocompatible (non-toxic) to your body and wear-resistant. The more safe and more durable the material, the longer the life span and effectiveness of your hip implant.

In determining which implant material is likely to be the safest and longest lasting for you, your orthopedic surgeon will carefully assess factors such as your age, weight, activity level, and the extent of your joint damage, as well as whether you have a metal allergy. Each type of implant material has its advantages and disadvantages as a new joint. Among the options available are:

• Metal-on-polyethylene – This type of implant features a metal alloy ball and plastic socket or lining and is known for its durability and performance. On the downside, metal-on-polyethylene implants can produce debris, which can lead to osteolysis, a condition in which bone tissue is destroyed, which can lead to eventual implant failure.
• Ceramic-on-ceramic – Newer ceramic materials are stronger and less brittle and may wear out more slowly or over a longer period of time. They are, however, more expensive and can create a squeaking sound in some cases, or the surfaces can potentially break or chip, as opposed to wearing down gradually over time.
• Ceramic-on-polyethylene – Made of a ceramic ball and a plastic socket or lining, this type of implant is a high-strength material that is also smooth, scratch-resistant, and low-friction. As such, it is regarded as an excellent alternative to metal and plastic implants and may have fewer risks than a ceramic-on-ceramic bearing.