Department of
Orthopaedic Surgery
If you suffer from hip pain due to severe arthritis, a fracture, or other deteriorating condition, every movement can cause distress and discomfort. Over half a million hip replacement procedures are performed in the U.S. every year. Understanding the causes of hip conditions and when you may need surgery can help you live more comfortably and continue the activities you love.
Hip replacement surgery, also called hip arthroplasty, is a procedure where a damaged or diseased hip joint gets replaced with an artificial implant. Your physician may recommend hip replacement surgery if you suffer from hip pain due to trauma or a degenerative condition.
There are various reasons for hip problems, including age-related deterioration and traumatic injuries. The leading issues and diseases that may necessitate hip replacement surgery are:
The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. This degenerative disease causes wear and tear to the joints, breaking down the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones. This gradual breakdown of the
cartilage leads to joint stiffness, discomfort, and reduced range of motion and activity. Osteoarthritis is typically age-related, but genetics and joint trauma can also lead to osteoarthritis. The joints in the hips, knees, shoulders, and hands are most often affected by this disease.
Learn more about osteoarthritis of the hip.
Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder where your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues lining your joints. Because hip joints are larger than joints in other areas of your body, you may not immediately notice the breakdown of hip cartilage. See your physician immediately if you experience hip pain, stiffness, or inflammation. They’ll determine the progression of the disorder and decide if hip replacement surgery is your best option.
Osteonecrosis, also called avascular necrosis, is a condition where bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. Without adequate blood flow, the bone tissue gradually weakens and then collapses. When the disease affects your hip, this deterioration occurs where the ball-shaped top of your femur fits into your hip socket. Various factors can cause osteonecrosis, including injury, frequent steroid or alcohol use, and autoimmune disorders.
If you’ve suffered hip damage due to a sports injury, car accident, or fall, you may require partial or total hip replacement surgery. Your physician will determine whether you have a hip fracture or dislocation, and gauge the extent of the damage to the soft tissues surrounding the hip joint. Arthritis can also develop after an injury – this is known as post-traumatic arthritis and can compromise the hip’s function and movement. A hip replacement can help restore mobility and alleviate pain.
If you have symptoms of hip problems that linger or worsen, that could indicate you may benefit from a hip replacement. Hip replacement symptoms include:
After your physician evaluates your hip condition, they may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon. The surgeon will conduct a thorough physical examination to assess your hip’s strength, range of motion,
stability, and how it aligns with your other hip. From there, they’ll order imaging tests such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to provide a more in-depth evaluation of your situation. You may also have blood work done to rule out other medical conditions.
You and your provider will discuss treatment options based on the tests and evaluation. If the damage isn’t severe enough for surgery, they may prescribe medication or physical therapy. However, if the imaging tests indicate significant damage or breakdown of your hip joint, they may recommend total hip joint replacement surgery.
Our orthopedic team is dedicated to providing the best care to our patients and promptly evaluating your individual needs. Regardless of where you are in your care journey, we’re here for you, in person and virtually. Please call 617-732-5322 or fill out an online appointment request form to request an appointment.
After evaluating your situation, your surgeon will discuss your options with you. You may even be a candidate for same-day outpatient surgery.
This procedure, also called a total hip arthroplasty (THA), involves replacing the entire hip joint with an artificial one to restore function and mobility and eliminate pain and discomfort. During THA surgery, your surgeon will replace both the worn-out ball-shaped top of your femur (femoral head) and the hip socket (acetabulum) with artificial implants. These implants are typically constructed of metal, plastic, or ceramic materials.
You may not have any underlying arthritis, and the cartilage lining the socket-shaped cavity in your pelvic bone may be healthy. In that case, your surgeon may recommend a partial hip replacement if you’ve sustained a trauma. This procedure is less invasive than total hip replacement surgery and has a faster recovery time. However, a partial replacement isn’t as durable, and there’s the risk of the implant wearing down the natural hip joint over time. That could result in a total hip implant down the road.
The term “minimally invasive” refers to any surgery that’s less invasive than traditional or open surgery. Minimally invasive partial or total hip replacement surgeries are innovative procedures that are as effective as conventional surgery. Because they require fewer and smaller incisions around the hip joint, these procedures can reduce postoperative pain, minimize trauma to tissues, and quicken recovery times.
You may be an ideal candidate for minimally invasive surgery if you:
Your surgeon will help you determine if you’re a candidate for same-day discharge. Our clinical staff provides an innovative approach to pain management and rehabilitation guidelines that allow some patients to return home on the day of their procedure.
Generally, hip replacement surgery takes between one and two hours. However, that time may vary based on specific factors such as:
Like most surgical procedures, there are certain risks associated with hip replacement surgery. Common complications include:
Recovery from hip replacement surgery can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. How quickly you recover may vary based on your age, overall health, preexisting conditions, and how well you adhere to your physical therapy regimen. Keep in mind that full recovery from hip replacement surgery can take up to a year. However, in most cases, you can resume your normal daily activities within a month or two.
Learn more about what to expect with hip replacement surgery recovery and rehabilitation.
After hip replacement surgery, your physician may provide you with a list of precautions you must follow. Sometimes there are precautions, sometimes not; it depends on the details of your particular case. Some surgeons recommend avoiding these activities after hip replacement surgery:
On average, most hip replacements will last 20 to 25 years, and many last longer. Following your physician’s orders and practicing healthy habits can help extend the implant’s longevity.
In a total hip replacement, your surgeon replaces the damaged ball joint of the femur (thigh bone) and the socket in the pelvis (hip bone). In a partial hip replacement, the damaged ball joint is removed and the femur is replaced with an implant.
Hip replacements typically involve using metal alloys like titanium, high-density plastics (polyethylene), and ceramic materials.
The level of pain or discomfort varies based on personal pain tolerance and the extent of the trauma during surgery. However, due to advances in pain management, many patients can have total hip replacement surgery on an outpatient basis.
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is a leading provider of partial and total hip joint replacement services. Our orthopaedic programs have been consistently ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top-ranking programs in the country. Each year, our expert orthopedic surgeons help improve the quality of life of thousands of patients suffering from hip damage.
You can trust our team of orthopedic surgeons to provide expert, compassionate, individualized patient care.
To schedule an appointment with one of our expert joint replacement surgeons, please call 617-732-5322 or fill out an online appointment request form.
We’re dedicated to working with our referring physicians. If you’d like to refer a patient for a hip replacement procedure, please call 1-800-MD-TO-BWH (1-800-638-6294) or see our list of referral options.
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