Hip Replacement

Hip replacement is surgery to remove damaged sections of the hip joint and replace them.

Hip replacement might be an option if hip pain interferes with daily activities and nonsurgical treatments haven't helped or are no longer effective. It is commonly performed for conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, or hip fractures.

Hip replacement may be an option if hip pain:

The Hip: Preservation, Replacement and Revision·        Doesn't stop despite taking pain medicines.

·        Worsens with walking, even with a cane or walker.

·        Interferes with sleep.

·        Affects the ability to walk up or down stairs.

·        Makes it difficult to rise from a seated position.

Types of Hip Replacement:

• Total Hip Replacement (THR) – Both the ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) are replaced.

• Partial Hip Replacement – Only the ball of the hip joint is replaced.

• Hip Resurfacing – The damaged joint surfaces are reshaped and capped rather than completely replaced.

Total Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement (THR), also called total hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and improve mobility in patients with hip joint damage.

What Happens During Surgery?

In a total hip replacement, the damaged parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with implants: The surgical procedure can usually be completed within two hours. 

·        An incision is made over the hip, through the layers of tissue.

·        Diseased and damaged bone and cartilage are removed, leaving healthy bone intact.

• The damaged femoral head (ball) is removed and replaced with a metal or ceramic ball attached to a stem that fits inside the femur (thigh bone).

• The damaged socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis is replaced with a new artificial cup, often made of plastic, ceramic, or metal.

• A smooth, durable liner is placed between the new ball and socket to allow smooth movement.

Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement

·        A minimally invasive technique uses smaller incisions (typically 5–10 cm instead of 20–30 cm) and specialized surgical instruments to reduce muscle damage. This approach often leads to:✅ Less pain after surgery✅ Smaller scars✅ Shorter hospital stay✅ Faster recovery and return to daily activities

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Recovery & Life After Surgery

Most patients can start walking with assistance within a day or two after surgery. Physical therapy plays a key role in regaining strength and mobility. With proper care, a hip replacement can last 20+ years, significantly improving quality of life and allowing pain-free movement.

If you have hip pain that limits your daily activities, a hip replacement may be the solution to help you regain mobility and live pain-free!

Partial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty)

Treatment for hip fracture usually involves a combination of prompt surgical repair, rehabilitation, and medication to manage pain and to prevent blood clots and infection.

Surgery

The type of surgery generally depends on where and how severe the fracture is, whether the broken bones aren't properly aligned (displaced), and your age and underlying health conditions. Options include:

• Internal repair using screws. Metal screws are inserted into the bone to hold it together while the fracture heals. Sometimes screws are attached to a metal plate that runs down the thighbone (femur).

• Total hip replacement. The upper femur and the socket in the pelvic bone are replaced with artificial parts (prostheses). Increasingly, studies show total hip replacement to be more cost-effective and associated with better long-term outcomes in otherwise healthy adults who live independently.

What is a Partial Hip Replacement?

A partial hip replacement, also called hip hemiarthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which only the ball of the hip joint (femoral head) is replaced, while the hip socket (acetabulum) is left intact. This procedure is commonly performed for hip fractures, particularly in elderly patients, rather than for arthritis.

How Does the Surgery Work?

1. The damaged femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) is removed.

2. A metal or ceramic prosthetic head is attached to a stem and inserted into the thigh bone.

3. The hip socket is preserved, as it remains healthy in most cases.

Benefits of Partial Hip Replacement

✅ Relieves pain caused by hip fractures✅ Allows faster recovery compared to total hip replacement✅ Less bone removal, preserving more of your natural hip structure✅ Shorter surgery time and reduced risk of complications

Minimally Invasive Option

Modern techniques allow for smaller incisions and less muscle disruption, leading to:✔ Less pain after surgery✔ Quicker return to mobility✔ Shorter hospital stay

Recovery and What to Expect

• Most patients can start walking within a day or two with support.

• Physical therapy helps restore strength and movement.

• With proper care, the new hip can last for many years.

If you’ve suffered a hip fracture, a partial hip replacement can help you regain movement and improve your quality of life!

Hip Resurfacing

Hip resurfacing is a type of joint-preserving hip surgery that replaces only the damaged surface of the hip joint instead of the entire hip. This procedure is often recommended for younger, active patients who want to maintain a high level of movement and activity after surgery.

How Does the Surgery Work?

1. The damaged femoral head (ball of the hip joint) is reshaped, not removed.

2. A metal cap is placed over the reshaped femoral head.

3. The hip socket (acetabulum) is lined with a metal cup, similar to a total hip replacement.

Benefits of Hip Resurfacing

✅ Preserves more of your natural bone✅ Lower risk of hip dislocation compared to total hip replacement✅ May allow for more natural movement and flexibility✅ Longer-lasting option for younger, active patients

Minimally Invasive Approach

Modern hip resurfacing can be done with smaller incisions and less muscle damage, leading to:✔ Faster recovery✔ Less pain after surgery✔ Quicker return to sports and daily activities

Who is a Good Candidate?

• Younger, active patients (typically under 60 years old)

• Those with strong, healthy bones

• Patients with hip arthritis or severe pain who still want to maintain an active lifestyle

Recovery & Outlook

• Most patients start walking within a day or two after surgery.

• Physical therapy helps restore strength and mobility.

• Many patients return to sports and active lifestyles within a few months.

Hip resurfacing offers a durable and bone-preserving solution for patients who want to stay active while relieving hip pain!