Total Hip Replacement

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Hip

Hip replacement is the removal and replacement of portions of the pelvis and femur (thighbone) that form your hip joint during a surgical procedure. A prosthetic implant replaces the hip joint, that is, a hip prosthesis. Hip replacement surgery can be performed as a total replacement or a hemi replacement.

Hip replacement replaces portions of the hip joint with implants (prostheses). A surgeon removes the damaged sections of your hip joint during hip replacement and replaces them with parts usually constructed of metal, ceramic, and very hard plastic.

It is performed primarily to relieve pain, discomfort, and stiffness caused by hip arthritis. It can also treat broken or improperly growing hips. Hip replacement reduces pain and improves function.

Total hip replacement or "total hip arthroplasty" is the most common type of hip replacement surgery. Total hip replacement is a smart option for people with hip pain that interferes with daily activities, and alternative treatments have not worked, or their effectiveness has stalled over time.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Severe hip pain that fails to respond to medication
  • Difficulty sleeping due to the hip discomfort
  • Stiffness of the hip area
  • Reduced mobility

Types of Hip Replacement

During the surgery, the hip joint can be accessed through:

  • anterior approach – the front of the leg
  • posterior approach – the back of the hip

The surgical approach is chosen carefully by your surgeon based on a number of factors, including but not limited to your anatomy, body type, medical history and the complexity of the procedure.

Anterior Hip Replacement

The goal of hip replacement surgery is to restore mobility and eliminate pain associated with hip arthritis. With an anterior hip replacement, the surgeon performs the procedure through an incision made at the front of the hip instead of at the back of the hip (posterior hip replacement). The primary advantage of anterior hip replacement is that it is a "muscle sparing" surgery. The surgeon works between muscles at the front of the hip to perform the surgery rather than cutting through muscles and tendons at the back of the hip. This muscle sparing approach allows for a faster recovery period and requires fewer restrictions to hip motion after surgery.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Severe groin pain that fails to respond to medication
  • Difficulty sleeping due to the hip discomfort
  • Stiffness of the hip area
  • Reduced mobility

Advantages and Disadvantages 

Advantages of anterior hip replacements may include, but are not limited to:

  • Reduced muscle and tendon damage
  • Shorter recovery time
  • Reduced hip motion restrictions after surgery

Disadvantages of anterior hip replacements may include, but are not limited to:

  • Increased rate of wound healing complications in obese patients 
  • Increased risk of numbness along the side of the thigh after surgery
  • Increased risk of cracking the thigh bone

Posterior Hip Replacement

Posterior hip replacement surgery uses a curved incision on the side and back of the hip. This approach has been refined over the years and the dislocation rate has decreased dramatically.   The surgeon does not need to release any of the largest muscles to access the hip joint, rather just a few of the smaller ones.  In some scenarios, even the piriformis muscle can be spared.   This surgical approach gives the surgeon an excellent view of the joint to implant the new device into the socket. Posterior hip replacement is often one of the safest and most flexible approaches to the hip. It is typically the most common method for hip replacement for those suffering with ongoing pain and related symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Severe hip or groin pain that fails to respond to medication
  • Difficulty sleeping due to the hip discomfort
  • Stiffness of the hip area
  • Reduced mobility
  • Difficulty getting into a car or getting on socks and shoes

Advantages and Disadvantages 

Advantages of posterior hip replacements may include, but are not limited to:

  • Possible fewer risks
  • Can be easily extended due better visualization if necessary during the surgery
  • Excellent view of the hip during surgery
  • Most patients are good candidates for this approach

Disadvantages of posterior hip replacements may include, but are not limited to:

  • Surgeons sometimes still use "hip precautions" for 6-8 weeks after surgery
  • Might take a week or two longer to climb stairs with no assistance

​​What's Next? Treatment Options...

To find out more about treatment options and specialized care, please call Columbia Orthopaedic Group at (573) 876-8141 and schedule an appointment or request one below:

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Columbia Orthopaedic Group
1 South Keene Street
Columbia, Missouri 65201

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