What should I know about hip replacement?

Hip replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces your damaged hip with implants to recreate your ball and socket joint. Hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful surgeries in medicine and can reduce pain, improve function, and help you get back to doing the things you love. 

How do I know if I need a hip replacement?

Your orthopaedic specialist at Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Group determines if you would benefit from a hip replacement during a comprehensive evaluation. You may benefit from a hip replacement if you have severe arthritis of the hip joint or if your hip has been damaged.

During your evaluation, your specialist conducts a comprehensive examination that includes a review of your symptoms and medical history, as well as a physical exam. To evaluate the extent of the disease or damage to your hip, your specialist may conduct an X-ray or MRI.

What happens during a hip replacement?

Your hip replacement surgery is conducted under general anesthesia so you’re asleep during the procedure. Your surgical specialist begins by making an incision through the skin of your hip and then removes the damaged portion of your femur, as well as your damaged cartilage and bone from your hip socket. 

Your surgeon then places your metal socket and secures it with cement or screws. A liner is placed in the metal socket to improve fluidity in the joint. Your surgeon then moves on to placement of your femur by first preparing your bone and then securing the “stem,” which is your replacement femur. A ball is then placed on your stem to complete the joint.

Your new metal ball is placed into your new socket and tested for mobility and fluidity before you’re sutured up. 

Due to the nature of the hip replacement surgery, you may require a stay at the hospital until you’re stable enough to go home.

What can I expect during recovery from a hip replacement?

Your specialist at Memorial Orthopaedic Surgical Group provides specific instructions for how to prepare and what to expect during your recovery. Physical therapy is essential for the recovery process. It starts soon after your procedure and continues until your surgeon determines that you can stop.

It can take up to six weeks for you to be able to return to most of your activities after your hip replacement, and a full year for a complete recovery.

Hip replacement surgery can improve your overall quality of life. For an evalua