Total Hip Replacement Specialist

What is total hip replacement surgery?

Total hip replacement surgery removes worn and damaged cartilage and bone from your hip joint. Artificial metal or ceramic parts replace the cartilage and bone, restoring your hip joint to normal, healthy dimensions and ability.

A partial hip replacement removes and replaces only the femoral head (the top of the ball portion of the ball-and-socket joint). A total hip replacement removes and replaces the femoral head and the acetabulum (the hip socket).

When might I need a total hip replacement?

The main reason for total hip replacement surgery is osteoarthritis. When osteoarthritis affects the hip joints, it commonly causes pain, stiffness, swelling, and a limited range of movement.

Severe hip osteoarthritis is one of the most common reasons for disability among older Americans. Fortunately, a total hip replacement can keep you moving without pain.

Other reasons for a hip replacement include rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease), osteonecrosis (bone death), and hip fractures that won’t heal.

How does a total hip replacement work?

In total hip replacement surgery, your surgeon removes the femoral head and places a stem in the hollow femur. The stem holds a metal or ceramic ball, which replaces your femoral head.

Your surgeon removes the damaged parts of your acetabulum and secures an artificial socket in its place. A spacer goes between the femoral head and socket, enabling smooth motion.

Am I a candidate for a total hip replacement?

A total hip replacement can be life-changing for people suffering from severe pain and limited movement, but it’s not right for everyone. If you have any of the following problems, a total hip replacement could help.

• Pain that doesn’t improve with conservative treatments
• Stiffness that doesn’t get better with nonsurgical care
• Limited range of motion
• Pain that restricts your daily activities
• Pain that persists even at rest

Many people who undergo total hip replacement have great difficulty walking, climbing stairs, getting up from a sitting position, and other everyday activities. This procedure allows you to return to those activities. It’s a major quality-of-life upgrade for people suffering from chronic pain and stiffness.

Most people who undergo a total hip replacement are 50-80 years old. But you don’t have to be of any particular age to qualify for this procedure. While it’s ideal to be at a healthy weight for hip replacement surgery, there are no specific weight requirements for this surgery.

Learn more about total hip replacement by calling Ortho 1 Medical Group today. You can also use the online scheduling link.