Hip Replacement Surgery

What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?

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Hip replacement (hip arthroplasty) is the removal of certain parts of the hip joint and replacing them with prosthetics. The surgery is designed to relieve pain and restore mobility to the hip joint.

Doctors base hip replacement diagnoses on patient activity and health. Additionally, forms of arthritis (osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis) have been linked to the breakdown the hip joint, making arthritis patients likely hip replacement candidates. Walking aids, medication (ibuprofen or non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs), and physical therapy are typically recommended before doctors actually attempt more invasive surgery. Another option is an osteotomy, a milder surgery that repositions rather than replaces the hip joint.

Generally, hip replacement surgery lasts 2 to 3 hours. After surgery, the doctor stabilizes the hip to limit movement. Patients use a catheter to urinate for the first day or two after surgery. The first day after surgery, a physical therapist teaches patients certain exercises to speed recovery and strengthen the hip. The artificial hip won’t have the same range of motion as a healthy, natural hip, so the therapist must also instruct the patient how to compensate even for things like bending and sitting. Typically, patients return home after a week or two, but full recovery can take up to 6 months.

Not everyone is a candidate for hip replacement. Those with severe muscle weakness or Parkinson’s disease are more susceptible to damaging or dislocating an artificial hip. Similarly, patients with poor health or high risk of infection might have difficulty recovering and may not be hip arthroplasty candidates.

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