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Hip Replacement 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.

What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?

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.

What Are the Common Causes of Hip Pain?

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:

Osteoarthritis

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.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

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

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.

Traumatic Injury

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.

Signs You May Need a Hip Replacement

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:

  • Chronic Hip Pain: This pain persists when rest, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications don’t help
  • Limited Mobility: Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or performing routine activities like putting on socks and shoes
  • Reduced Range of Motion: The inability to bend, flex, or rotate your hip
  • Inflammation: Swelling or tenderness around the hip joint that doesn’t improve with rest
  • Joint Instability: When the hip joint feels unstable or gives out unexpectedly

Determining if Hip Replacement Surgery Is Right for You

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.

Requesting an Appointment

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.

Types of Hip Replacement Surgeries

After evaluating your situation, your surgeon will discuss your options with you. You may even be a candidate for same-day outpatient surgery.

Total Hip Replacement 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.

Partial Hip Replacement Surgery

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.

Minimally Invasive Partial or Total Hip Replacement

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:

  • Have a minimal or moderate deformity
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Have few preexisting health conditions
  • Are motivated to participate in the rehabilitation process
Outpatient Hip Replacement Surgery

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.

How Long Does Hip Replacement Surgery Take?

Generally, hip replacement surgery takes between one and two hours. However, that time may vary based on specific factors such as:

  • Complexity of the procedure
  • Age of the patient
  • Complications that may arise

Are There Any Risks Associated with Hip Replacement Surgery?

Like most surgical procedures, there are certain risks associated with hip replacement surgery. Common complications include:

  • Infection: Although infections aren’t typical with this type of surgery, the risk is higher for those with medical conditions like diabetes, obesity, and weakened immune systems.
  • Blood Clots: Because you’ll have limited mobility following hip replacement surgery, there’s a greater risk of blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), developing in the legs. If you’re older, obese, or have a history of blood clots, your risk increases. Preventive measures like blood-thinning medications and compression devices can lower the risk of complications.
  • Fractures or Dislocations: Though uncommon, fractures to surrounding bones could occur during or after surgery. Another potential risk is the new hip joint coming out of the socket after surgery.
  • Second Surgery: You may need a second hip surgery, otherwise known as revision hip surgery, following your replacement surgery for various reasons. The most common reason is that the artificial components wear down or become loose. Other causes include infection and breaking the bone around the implant.

What Is the Recovery Time for Hip Surgery?

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.

What Activities Should I Avoid After a Hip Replacement?

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:

  • Bending your hip beyond 90 degrees (referred to as the 90% rule)
  • Crossing your leg with the artificial hip over the other leg
  • Engaging in high-impact movements like running or jumping
  • Sudden twisting of the hip joint, which may lead to dislocation

How Long Does a Hip Replacement Last?

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.

FAQs About Hip Replacement Surgery

What Gets Replaced During Hip Surgery?

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.

What Materials Are Used for Hip Replacements?

Hip replacements typically involve using metal alloys like titanium, high-density plastics (polyethylene), and ceramic materials.

How Painful Is a Total Hip Replacement?

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.

Personalized, Expert Hip Replacement at Brigham and Women’s Hospital

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.

Our Hip Replacement Surgeons

You can trust our team of orthopedic surgeons to provide expert, compassionate, individualized patient care.

Schedule an Appointment

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.

Refer a Patient

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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