Total Hip Replacement
Joint Health
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Total hip replacement surgery almost always reduces joint pain. During this surgery, your problem hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint (called a prosthesis).
Benefits of Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement surgery almost always:
- Stops or greatly reduces hip pain. Even the pain from surgery should go away within weeks.
- Increases leg strength. Without hip pain, you’ll be able to use your legs more. This will build up your muscles.
- Improves quality of life by allowing you to do daily tasks and low-impact activities in greater comfort.
- Provides years of easier movement. Most total hip replacements last for many years.
Your Surgical Experience
Preparing for Surgery
The Surgical Procedure
When the surgical team is ready, you’ll be taken to the operating room. There you’ll be given anesthesia. The anesthesia will help you sleep through surgery, or it will make you numb from the waist down. Then an incision is made, giving the surgeon access to your hip joint. The damaged ball is removed, and the socket is prepared to hold the prosthesis. After the new joint is in place, the incision is closed with staples or stitches.
Preparing the Bone
Joining the New Parts
The new hip stem is inserted into the head of your thighbone. After the stem is secure in the thighbone, the new ball and socket are joined.
The stem of the prosthesis may be held with cement or press-fit. Your surgeon will choose the method that is best for you.
In the Recovery Room
Risks and Complications
As with any surgery, hip replacement has possible risks and complications. These include the following:
- Reaction to the anesthesia
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Dislocation of the joint or loosening of the prosthesis
- Damage to nearby blood vessels, bones, or nerves
- Thigh pain