What is a hip replacement?
Hip replacement surgery, also known as hip arthroplasty, is a procedure that involves removal of the damaged bone and cartilage in your hip and replacing it with prosthetic parts. Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists performs total hip replacement surgery, as well as hemiarthroplasty, which replaces only the ball portion of your hip joint.
Am I a good candidate for a hip replacement?
Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists determines if you’re a good candidate for hip replacement surgery during a consultation. When deciding if hip replacement surgery is a good option for you, your provider takes into consideration the severity of your pain and disability.
You may be a good candidate for a hip replacement if you experience:
- Limited mobility due to your hip pain
- Constant hip pain, even at rest
- Joint stiffness that impairs leg mobility
- Pain despite continued use of conservative treatments
Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists values patient education, and your provider spends a lot of time reviewing your diagnosis and the specifics of the procedure, so you can make the most informed decision about how best to proceed.
What happens during hip replacement surgery?
The specifics of your hip replacement surgery depends on your diagnosis and specific health needs. However, your surgery may take a few hours and takes place under general anesthesia.
During the procedure, your surgeon removes the femoral head from the acetabulum and shapes the socket joint to form a half-sphere. After shaping your socket joint, your surgeon tests the fit of your prosthetic component, which the tightness of the space, surgical screws, or surgical cement, holds in place. Your surgeon then shapes your femur for placement of the stem and ball prosthesis, which is held in place by the tightness of the fit or surgical cement.
In addition to the traditional open hip replacement, Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists also offers MAKOplasty® hip replacement, which is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a robotic surgical system that your surgeon controls to perform the procedure.
How long is recovery from a hip replacement?
The length of your recovery time following hip replacement depends on the type of procedure you receive and your overall health. Full recovery may take 6-12 months. To support your recovery efforts, Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists offers physical therapy and rehabilitation services at the office.
Chronic hip pain can affect your quality of life. To learn more about hip replacement and see if it’s an option for you, call Northern Virginia Orthopaedic Specialists today.
