Total Hip Replacement
Total Hip Replacement surgery may be an option for you if your hip pain interferes with daily activities and more-conservative treatments haven't helped. Arthritis damage is the most common reason to need hip replacement.
You might consider hip replacement if you're experiencing hip pain that:
- Persists, despite pain medication.
- Worsens with walking, even with a cane or walker.
- Interferes with your sleep.
- Affects your ability to go up or downstairs.
- Makes it difficult to rise from a seated position.
The Procedure
During hip replacement, your surgeon will remove the damaged sections of your hip joint and replace them with parts usually constructed of metal, ceramic, and very hard plastic. This artificial joint (prosthesis) helps reduce pain and improve function.
After The Procedure
Depending on your overall health and activity level, you will either have a brief hospital stay or be able to go home on the day of surgery. Most patients require the use of a walking aid (walker or crutches) for about 2-3 weeks. By six weeks out from surgery, most patients are walking 1-1.5 miles a day with minimal pain and no limp. Most people resume their normal activities by this time — even if in a limited fashion. Further recovery with improving strength will often occur for six to 12 months.