Total Hip Replacement

If you are experiencing chronic hip pain and limited mobility due to hip arthritis or injury, your hip replacement surgeon at EmergeOrtho—Blue Ridge Region may recommend a total hip replacement as a possible solution. This surgical procedure, also known as total hip arthroplasty, can provide significant relief by replacing the damaged hip joint with an artificial implant. There are a number of details you should know before making this important decision including a full understanding of the procedure, if you are a good candidate, and what to expect during both the surgery and recovery.

What Is Total Hip Replacement?

Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure aimed at alleviating pain and improving mobility in individuals suffering from hip conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, or hip fractures. During the surgery, the damaged parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with artificial components, including a metal or ceramic ball attached to a metal stem that fits into the femur, and a socket implanted into the pelvis. This artificial joint allows for smooth and pain-free movement.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Determining whether you are a suitable candidate for total hip replacement requires a comprehensive evaluation by our qualified hip replacement surgeons. Generally, candidates for this procedure have the following issues:

• Severe hip pain that limits daily activities
• Persistent discomfort despite conservative treatments like medication and physical therapy
• Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
• Stiffness in the hip
• Reduced range of motion in the hip joint

Other factors our surgeons consider are your overall health, age, and lifestyle. While age alone does not disqualify someone from surgery, it is essential to assess the patient’s overall health and ability to tolerate the procedure and recovery process. We will fully evaluate your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may request imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans, to assess the extent of hip damage.

Hip Surgeons and Technology

Before proceeding with replacement surgery, you should consider several factors that may influence the outcome and recovery process, including:

Surgeon’s expertise:
Choosing a board-certified and fellowship-trained hip surgeon with extensive experience in performing hip replacements is crucial. EmergeOrtho orthopedic hip surgeons have undergone specialized training and are equipped with the latest techniques and technologies to ensure optimal results.

Advanced technologies:
We utilize the latest advancements in hip replacement technologies. These innovations, such as minimally invasive techniques and customized implants, enhance our surgical precision, reduce complications, and promote faster recovery.

Rehabilitation and recovery:
Understanding the rehabilitation and recovery process involved in hip replacement surgery is very important. Physical therapy is an integral part of the recovery journey, and following the recommended rehabilitation program diligently will maximize the surgery’s outcome.

What Should I Expect During the Surgery?

On the day of your surgery, you will be administered anesthesia to ensure a painless procedure. Your orthopedic surgeon will make an incision over the hip, carefully remove the damaged bone and cartilage, and precisely position the artificial components to recreate a functional hip joint. The incision is then closed, and you will be moved to a recovery area for observation.

What Should I Expect During the Surgery?

On the day of your surgery, you will be administered anesthesia to ensure a painless procedure. Your orthopedic surgeon will make an incision over the hip, carefully remove the damaged bone and cartilage, and precisely position the artificial components to recreate a functional hip joint. The incision is then closed, and you will be moved to a recovery area for observation.

The Recovery Process

After the surgery, you will spend a brief period in the hospital or surgery center for monitoring and initial recovery. You may receive pain-management medications and will be encouraged to start physical therapy soon after surgery to regain strength and mobility. While recovery times from hip replacement can vary depending on individual factors, most patients can expect to resume light activities within a few weeks and gradually progress to normal daily activities over several months following the surgery.

While replacement surgery can significantly improve pain and mobility, there may be certain limitations to consider. High-impact activities, such as running or jumping, may be discouraged to prevent wear and tear on the artificial joint. However, low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, and walking are generally encouraged and can help maintain overall fitness without putting excessive stress on the hip joint.

The timing of your return to work or daily activities will depend on various factors, including the extent of your surgery, your overall health, and the nature of your occupation. Our surgical team and therapists will provide specific activity guidelines tailored to your individual case to ensure a safe and successful recovery.

At EmergeOrtho—Blue Ridge Region, you can trust in the expertise of our board-certified and fellowship-trained hip surgeons who have dedicated years to perfecting their skills in hip replacement surgery. Our surgeons stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field and utilize state-of-the-art hip replacement technologies to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. By using minimally invasive techniques, computer-assisted navigation systems, and customized implants, we strive to enhance precision, reduce surgical risks, and facilitate quicker recoveries.

Request an appointment to meet with one of our hip surgeons to further discuss your individual condition, and we will answer any questions you may have about hip replacement.