Hip Replacement
What is a Hip Arthroplasty?
Hip arthroplasty, also known as hip replacement, is a common surgical procedure to replace damaged bone ends within the hip joints with metal and plastic prosthetic devices. New advances allow for the use of minimally invasive techniques to perform this procedure, offering patients significant advantages over traditional surgery.
What are the Benefits of Hip Surgery?
With minimally invasive total hip replacement, patients can benefit from:
- Less pain
- Less bleeding
- Less scarring
- Less muscle damage
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster recovery
This new procedure is often performed on younger, thinner and healthier patients who may be more motivated to achieve fast and thorough recovery from hip replacement surgery. Our surgeons have extensive experience in performing outpatient total joint surgery to get patients back on their feet quickly.
Who are NOT Ideal Candidates for Hip Surgery?
While minimally invasive surgery has many benefits, it is not appropriate in all cases. It may be contraindicated in patients who:
- Have had previous surgical hip procedures
- Have had serious hip injuries
- Have atypical anatomy of the hip
- Are obese
- Have cancer
- Have a metabolic disorder
- Have hip contracture
- Are extremely muscular
Apart from the exceptions mentioned, minimally invasive hip arthroplasty presents distinct advantages for most patients in terms of efficiency and comfort.
These surgeries are typically completed in less than two hours and can be done under general or spinal anesthesia.
How is Hip Surgery Performed?
Minimally invasive hip replacement is done through one or two small incisions into which the implants are placed with special surgical instruments. The muscles and tendons are only slightly detached and then repaired once the implants are placed to encourage quick healing. This procedure is often performed under X-ray guidance to ensure precise placement of the implant.
What is the Recovery from Hip Surgery?
After a total hip replacement, patients will stay in the recovery area for a few hours. Within a couple of hours of the surgery, the patient will take the first few steps on a walker. Our expert anesthesia staff will provide multi modal pain management to minimize discomfort. Swelling and bruising are common for the first couple of weeks. The patient will be discharged home with several medications to control the post-operative discomfort and minimize the risk of blood clots. The presurgical pain resulting from arthritis or other conditions, however, should be gone within a short time.
Physical therapy starts as soon as the first day after surgery with the goal of strengthening the muscles and preventing contracture or excessive scarring. Therapy begins with the patient sitting in a chair and progresses to stepping, walking and climbing stairs, first with crutches or walkers and then without supportive devices. Patients are encouraged to stand up and walk around as soon as they feel comfortable doing so. Occupational therapy and at-home exercises help patients learn how to function in everyday activities. Within a few days after the surgery, patients may begin to leave the house and will complete the therapy at an outpatient facility.
On average, artificial hips last 15-20 years, after which time the patient may need to have another surgery. Advances in implant technology and implantation techniques are promising increased longevity. Nonetheless, the great majority of patients who have undergone hip replacement are very well satisfied with their postsurgical level of comfort and their increased ability to perform necessary and enjoyable activities.
Schedule Your Consultation Today!
Interested in learning more about hip arthroplasty with Dr. Elias and Dr. Mashoof? Call our Cerritos location at 562.219.7251 or our Fountain Valley location at 714.200.1010 to schedule your consultation today!
