A healthy hip joint makes it possible to move comfortably and engage in all kinds of daily activities. But when the hip joint cartilage wears down over time, muscles or tendons get overused, arthritis sets in or injury occurs, hip pain can keep you from doing even the simplest task or enjoying life to the fullest. Total hip replacement surgery, also known as total hip arthroplasty, may be recommended.

Baptist Health is nationally recognized for excellence in total hip replacement surgery. We offer a full spectrum of orthopedic care and the latest approaches to total hip replacement surgery. Best of all, you’ll appreciate convenient appointment times, locations near you and a personalized focus to meet your needs before, during and after your procedure.

What is a Total Hip Replacement?

Total hip replacement surgery is a safe and effective way to relieve hip pain that has not resolved with the use of medications or therapy. The procedure replaces damaged bone and cartilage with components made of metal, ceramic and/or high-grade plastic.

Implant Components

A total hip replacement means components (or prostheses) are implanted on the thigh bone, or femur, and in the hip socket. The damaged part of the upper end of your thigh bone will be removed and receive a metal stem. A metal or ceramic ball is attached to the upper part of the stem. A metal socket is implanted into the hip and a plastic or metal spacer is placed between the new ball and socket. The ball is either metal or ceramic so the interface is either metal on ceramic or metal on plastic.

Depending on your implant design and your health, the implants are usually press-fit into place. The metal stem and cup are placed so that they can be pressed into place to rely on new bone growth around the implant to stabilize it. On occasion, cement may be used.

Implant Design

The look and design of your hip implant will be selected based upon your size, weight and activity level. This customization helps assure the most comfort, function and longevity. All components are designed to move smoothly against each other and work together just like a normal, healthy hip joint.

What Can a Total Hip Replacement Accomplish?

A total hip replacement is often recommended for people who have hip pain that limits their ability to engage in everyday activities and that has not responded to nonsurgical treatment like medications and therapy. This pain can be caused by arthritis, injury or wear and tear due to aging. A total hip replacement is recommended to enhance comfort and mobility, including:

• Relieve hip pain
  
• Improve the function of the hip joint
  
• Allow for comfortable and safe activities like walking, standing, climbing stairs and running
  
• Enhance range of motion

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

Once you are admitted for your total hip replacement surgery, a member of the anesthesia team will meet with you to explain the type of anesthesia that will be used to make you comfortable during the procedure. The length of the surgery will depend upon the severity of your hip condition and the type of replacement you will receive.

During the procedure, your surgeon will make an incision near the top of your thighbone. Depending upon your condition, your surgeon may be able to use a very small incision for the procedure, called minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon will move the femur out of the hip socket. Any damage to the hip socket will be removed and an artificial cup and liner will be fitted into place. The damaged part of the top of the femur will be removed and a metal stem will be attached. A metal or ceramic ball designed to fit easily within the cup will be attached to the top of the stem. Muscles and soft tissue around the hip will be repaired and the incisions will be stitched or stapled.

Recovery

Depending upon the type of procedure you have, you will be in the hospital one to four days after surgery. To protect against blood clots, you will be given blood- thinning medication. Physical therapy will begin the day of surgery to help you walk with a walker, crutch or cane.

Estimated Recovery Timeline

Once home, it is important to follow all instructions about exercise, physical activity and wound care in order to successfully recover. Recovery will depend upon your age, health and physical condition before surgery. While most people resume normal activities within six weeks, your doctor will explain when you can resume activities like climbing stairs, driving and going back to work.

It is recommended that with traditional total hip surgery that you not cross your legs at the knee for eight to 12 weeks. Your doctor will also tell you to avoid certain sleeping positions for several weeks in order to not dislocate your new hip. In general, people recover to their fullest potential extent three months after surgery.

Total Hip Replacement Possible Risks

Any surgery carries risk, but a total hip replacement is typically a safe and effective procedure to treat hip pain that comes from injury, disease or wear. You will be given instructions about how to avoid these specific risks after your total hip replacement surgery:

• Blood clots
  
• Infection
  
• Slight leg-length inequality
  
• Dislocation
  
• Nerve injury

Hip replacements can loosen and wear out. To take good care of your new hip, avoid high-impact activities and weight gain.

What Can a Total Hip Replacement Accomplish?

A total hip replacement is often recommended for people who have hip pain that limits their ability to engage in everyday activities and that has not responded to nonsurgical treatment like medications and therapy. This pain can be caused by arthritis, injury or wear and tear due to aging. A total hip replacement is recommended to enhance comfort and mobility, including:

• Relieve hip pain
• Improve the function of the hip joint
• Allow for comfortable and safe activities like walking, standing, climbing stairs and running
• Enhance range of motion

What Can I Expect During the Procedure?

Once you are admitted for your total hip replacement surgery, a member of the anesthesia team will meet with you to explain the type of anesthesia that will be used to make you comfortable during the procedure. The length of the surgery will depend upon the severity of your hip condition and the type of replacement you will receive.

During the procedure, your surgeon will make an incision near the top of your thighbone. Depending upon your condition, your surgeon may be able to use a very small incision for the procedure, called minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon will move the femur out of the hip socket. Any damage to the hip socket will be removed and an artificial cup and liner will be fitted into place. The damaged part of the top of the femur will be removed and a metal stem will be attached. A metal or ceramic ball designed to fit easily within the cup will be attached to the top of the stem. Muscles and soft tissue around the hip will be repaired and the incisions will be stitched or stapled.

Recovery

Depending upon the type of procedure you have, you will be in the hospital one to four days after surgery. To protect against blood clots, you will be given blood- thinning medication. Physical therapy will begin the day of surgery to help you walk with a walker, crutch or cane.

Estimated Recovery Timeline

Once home, it is important to follow all instructions about exercise, physical activity and wound care in order to successfully recover. Recovery will depend upon your age, health and physical condition before surgery. While most people resume normal activities within six weeks, your doctor will explain when you can resume activities like climbing stairs, driving and going back to work.

It is recommended that with traditional total hip surgery that you not cross your legs at the knee for eight to 12 weeks. Your doctor will also tell you to avoid certain sleeping positions for several weeks in order to not dislocate your new hip. In general, people recover to their fullest potential extent three months after surgery.

Total Hip Replacement Possible Risks

Any surgery carries risk, but a total hip replacement is typically a safe and effective procedure to treat hip pain that comes from injury, disease or wear. You will be given instructions about how to avoid these specific risks after your total hip replacement surgery:

• Blood clots
• Infection
• Slight leg-length inequality
• Dislocation
• Nerve injury

Hip replacements can loosen and wear out. To take good care of your new hip, avoid high-impact activities and weight gain.