Hip Replacement Procedure

By Amelia Son, PTA

Hip Replacement Procedure

Hip replacement surgery is performed by removing the worn out pieces of your joint, the ball and socket, and replacing it with new parts made of plastic and/or metal. The healthy parts of your hip are left intact. Hip replacement surgery is most often performed when the joint is worn due to osteoarthritis, but other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, injury to joint, and bone tumors, can also be a reason your hip is replaced. In the past, hip replacement surgery was an option primarily for people over 60 years of age; However, doctors have found that it can be very successful in younger people as new technology has improved artificial parts, allowing them to withstand more stress and strain.  Please watch this video on a total hip replacement. 

What are Signs of Needing a Hip Replacement?

The most common signs of needing a hip replacement are as follows:

1. Hip or groin pain when walking normal distances, during or after exercises and/or normal activity, and when trying to sleep.
2. Stiffness in the joint which decreases your ability to put on shoes and socks. The stiffness may also be accompanied by clicking, popping, and grinding in your joint.
3. One leg test notes difficulty standing on the problem leg for longer than a minute, whether you have support or not for balance.
4. When you find no relief from other symptoms such has physical therapy, medication, and hip resurfacing procedures.

What is the Best Age to Get Hip Replacement Surgery?

Most hip replacement procedures are performed on those 60 years and older with osteoarthritis in the joint which affects daily life. However, in recent years, technology has improved with regards to replacement parts and procedure, which allows younger patients to have better success with surgery. This new technology allows for the new parts to withstand more stress and strain that a younger individual may put on the replacement.

What is the Recovery Time for a Hip Replacement Surgery?

While full recovery for a joint replacement can take anywhere from three to six months, most patients say they feel normal at around a year after surgery date. Recovery is dependent on many things including but not limited to comorbidities, time spent in rehabilitation, and any surgical complications.

What Should I Not Do After my Hip Replacement Surgery?

The main thing to remember after any surgery is to let your body heal. While many people have minimal pain after a hip replacement surgery, particularly when the anterior hip replacement is performed, it is still prudent to remember you did have a life altering surgery. Depending on which type of surgery you have, your surgeon and therapists will instruct you on ways you should not move your leg to allow for proper healing and to avoid dislocation.

How Long Does a Hip Replacement Last?

Most new hips will allow for normal, pain-free activity for about 15 years. However, there are some differences in length depending on brands of parts used as well as which type of hip replacement was performed. When the new parts do wear out, another replacement is required to replace the old parts.

By: Amelia Son, PTA

Several Approaches To Treating Hip Pain With JOI Physical Therapy

There are a few easy forms of physical therapy which can help. Exercises for core strength and stability are out in place to treat and prevent pain in the hips. Ergonomic education is instrumental in treating hip pain. This is because the source of most of the pain comes from how people sit or stand for long periods of time. Lastly and perhaps most importantly is keeping up with your health. Weight loss and a healthy BMI are always recommendations for the treatment of hip pain.

Want to learn more about types of hip replacement? Learn more by reading this ARTICLE on our website.

• Related Article: Best Core Stabilization Exercises and Hip Anatomy.

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