Total Hip Replacement

If you need a Total Hip Replacement, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is A Total Hip Replacement?

Surgeons use total hip replacement, or total hip arthroplasty, as a surgical procedure where a damaged or diseased hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint or prosthesis. Additionally, surgeons perform this procedure to alleviate pain, enhance mobility, and improve the overall function of the hip joint.

Total Hip Replacement Procedure

1. Purpose: The primary goal of this procedure serves alleviate pain and restore function in the hip joint. Factors such as, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, hip fractures, or other degenerative conditions serve as exmples.
2. Procedure: During total hip replacement, the damaged portions of the hip joint, including the femoral head (the ball-shaped end of the thigh bone) and the damaged socket (acetabulum), are removed. Then surgeons replace them with artificial components made of metal, ceramic, or strong plastic. The artificial ball-and-socket joint recreates the normal structure and function of the hip joint.
3. Components: The artificial hip joint consists of two main components:
   • Femoral component: This includes a metal stem that sugeons insert into the hollow center of the thigh bone, and a ball-shaped head that replaces the damaged femoral head.
   • Acetabular component: This involves a metal cup that surgeons insert implanted into the hip socket (acetabulum). Surgeons then place a plastic or ceramic liner place inside the cup to provide a smooth bearing surface for the artificial joint.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

1. Rehabilitation: Following the surgery, physicians prescribe a comprehensive rehabilitation program to aid in the recovery process. Moreover, this includes exercises to strengthen the hip muscles, improve range of motion, and gradually regain mobility. In addition, physical therapy helps patients regain strength, balance, and the ability to perform daily activities.
2. Benefits Include:
   • Pain relief: The procedure effectively reduces or eliminates hip joint pain, allowing for improved quality of life.
   • Improved mobility: By replacing the damaged joint, total hip replacement restores function and mobility, enabling patients to engage in activities with less pain and greater ease.
   • Enhanced quality of life: With reduced pain and improved mobility, patients often experience an improved overall quality of life. In addition the ability to participate in activities they may have previously been unable to do.
3. Risks and Considerations: However, total hip replacement, like any surgery, carries certain risks and considerations. These include potential complications such as infection, blood clots, hip dislocation, leg length discrepancy, nerve or blood vessel damage. Additionally, wear or loosening of the artificial joint over time. However, it deems important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with an orthopedic surgeon to determine if total hip replacement is the appropriate treatment option for your specific condition.

Total hip replacement has been a highly successful and widely performed procedure for many years, providing significant pain relief and improved function for individuals with hip joint conditions. However, consultation with the physician before undergoing the surgery deems crucial.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.