Total Hip Replacement

WHAT İS HİP REPLACEMENT SURGERY?

Hip replacement is the removal and replacement of portions of the pelvis and femur (thighbone) that form your hip joint. It is performed primarily to relieve hip pain and stiffness caused by hip arthritis. This procedure is also sometimes used to treat injuries such as a broken or improperly growing hip, and for other conditions.

HOW DO YOU KNOW İF YOU NEED A HİP REPLACEMENT?

If you have these arthritis symptoms, you should consider a hip replacement: Severe hip pain that is not relieved by medication and that interferes with your work, sleep or everyday activity, hip stiffness that restricts motion and makes it difficult to walk.

HOW SHOULD I PREPARE FOR HİP REPLACEMENT SURGERY?

There are certain steps patients can take both before and after surgery to improve recovery time and results. It is important to follow the instructions and guidance provided by your orthopedic surgeon, medical team and rehabilitation therapist. Visit Preparing for Your Surgery to get information on preoperative hip replacement classes and patient education materials about joint replacement surgery.

Total hip replacement surgery takes about one and a half hours. Most patients also stay in the hospital for one or two days after the procedure.

Your rehabilitation will begin within 24 hours after surgery. Most hip replacement patients progress to walking with a cane, walker or crutches within day or two after surgery. As the days progress, you will increase the distance and frequency of walking.

The surgery is very safe, but every surgery has risks, and infection is the most serious. You should ask your surgeon what the surgical infection rate is for hip replacements at the hospital or facility where you will have your surgery.

When looking for an orthopedic surgeon to perform your hip replacement surgeon, it’s important to do your research and check the surgeon’s credentials, experience and reputation. It is also important to research the hospital or facility where you will have your operation, as well as its supporting staff, such as the anesthesiologists.