Total Hip Replacement
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint. The hip socket is called the acetabulum and forms a deep cup surrounding the ball of the upper thigh bone, known as the femoral head.
If your hip is worn down by arthritis, damaged by a fracture, or other conditions, everyday activities such as walking or getting in and out of a chair may be painful and difficult. Your hip may be stiff, and it may be hard to put on your shoes and socks. You may even feel uncomfortable while resting.
If medications, changes in your everyday activities, and using walking supports do not adequately help your symptoms, you may consider hip replacement surgery. Hip replacement surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can relieve your pain, increase motion, and help you get back to enjoying everyday activities.
Hip replacement is a surgical procedure replacing the hip joint with artificial parts (prostheses). The common causes of hip joint deterioration include osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis of the femoral head), trauma, and inflammatory arthritis (eg, rheumatoid arthritis).
Total hip replacement is a very successful surgery. However, the replacement parts can break down over time, and we recommend delaying hip replacement until absolutely necessary.
The operation aims to decrease pain and provide people with a stable hip that improves function.
The surgery involves removing the head of the femur (thigh bone), which is the ball of the joint, and fashioning a new socket. A stem inside your thigh bone provides support to the ball.
Dr. Samuel performs the minimally invasive, muscle-sparing, anterior approach hip replacement surgery. Most of our clients are typically admitted to the hospital on the day of the surgery and stay two nights after surgery. Short hospital stay and quicker recovery are made possible with the special tissue-preserving hip replacement technique and the enhanced recovery protocol we follow.
People recover at different paces, but most can expect to be back to doing what they were before the surgery in 2-3 months or sooner. You may see the rapid recovery of the anterior approach video below.
If you are considering replacing your hip, it is essential to have a good discussion with Dr. Samuel about whether the operation is suitable for you. You can further discuss various available options.
All surgical procedures have risks associated with them. The decision to proceed with the surgery comes down to discussing whether the risks are worth taking.
Compiled and written on June 2021. By Dr. Samuel Hailu.
*Disclaimer :*The information contained herein is for educational purposes only. This should NOT be used in place of a visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your healthcare provider because of any information you read on this topic.
