Hip replacement surgery

Hip replacement surgery is an effective solution for hip pain and lack of mobility caused by arthritis, fracture or other injury. If more conservative treatment isn’t providing the relief you need, your provider may recommend a hip replacement.

At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, our orthopedic surgeons use advanced, minimally invasive methods that speed recovery and improve mobility.

What is hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement surgery removes damaged parts of the hip joint and replaces them with artificial implants. Getting a hip replacement can help reduce hip pain and increase hip mobility.

After hip replacement surgery, most people regain the ability to walk and perform daily activities with less pain.

Types of hip replacement surgery

There are several different types of hip replacement surgery. The right one for you depends on your hip condition, severity of joint damage and your physical goals. Options include:

• Total hip replacement: This is the most common type of hip replacement surgery. The doctor removes both the ball and socket of the hip joint and replaces them with artificial implants.
• Partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty): This surgery replaces only the ball portion of the hip joint. It’s typically used to repair a hip fracture.
• Hip revision surgery: Replacement joints can sometimes become infected, loosen or wear out. If that happens, hip revision surgery replaces the original implant with a new one.
• Anterior approach: Making an incision in the front of the hip is the more advanced, preferred surgical method for hip replacement. Surgeons can access the hip joint from the front using smaller incisions and minimally invasive procedures. This reduces complications, prevents muscle damage and speeds recovery.
• Posterior approach: This is the traditional method of hip replacement surgery. It is open surgery, which requires a large incision and has a longer recovery time than minimally invasive surgery.

Conditions treated with hip replacement surgery

Hip replacement surgery can be an effective way to treat hip pain and reduced mobility in the joint caused by arthritis and hip fracture.

For wear and tear from arthritis, your provider will typically recommend a variety of nonsurgical treatments before resorting to surgery. These could include physical therapy, steroid injections or mobility devices.

If your hip joint is severely damaged from a fracture, you may need total or partial hip replacement surgery right away.

Hip replacement surgery side effects

Hip replacement surgery is a major procedure. Even when done using the minimally invasive anterior approach, it can take several months to fully recover.

Within a day or two after surgery, you’ll be able to return home from the hospital and begin physical therapy. The more committed you are to following your physical therapy regimen, the faster and more complete your recovery will be.

There are some risks from even the most advanced surgical procedures. Possible side effects from hip replacement surgery may include:

• Bleeding
• Dislocation of the artificial joint
• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Stiffness
• Swelling