Hip replacement

During total hip replacement surgery, an orthopedic surgeon replaces the upper end of your thigh bone with a metal ball. The surgeon then resurfaces the hip socket in your pelvic bone with a metal shell and plastic liner.

Orthopedic surgeons often use general anesthesia to keep you unconscious during the procedure. However, your surgeon and anesthesiologist may recommend using regional anesthesia. In this case, you will be awake but unable to feel the hip area during surgery.

A traditional hip replacement involves an incision several inches long over the hip joint. A newer approach, called "minimally invasive hip replacement," uses one or two smaller incisions. When possible, we will use minimally invasive surgery to reduce your recovery time and pain.

Anterior approach surgery

The anterior approach hip replacement is a minimally invasive technique. Surgeons access the hip joint through an incision on the front of the hip, preventing displacement of muscle tissue. It results in a smaller scar and a shorter recovery time than traditional hip replacement surgery.

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After waking from surgery, you will see a bandage on the hip and a drain to collect fluid. You will also see a compression pump. This pump squeezes your legs to keep the blood circulating and prevent blood clots. A foam pillow placed between your legs to keep them from crossing; you must have this pillow in place while laying down or sitting up.

Your orthopedic care team will teach you some simple breathing exercises. These will help prevent lung congestion while your activity level is decreased. You will also be instructed to do ankle pumps, which keep the blood circulating.

Hip replacement surgeries usually require an in-hospital stay of several days. In general, patients can get out of the bed with help the day of surgery or day after surgery. Over the next few days, you will learn how to walk with a walker.

Physical therapy is recommended following hip surgery. Rehabilitative exercises, which you will perform while in the hospital and at home, will increase your chances of a positive outcome and increase your mobility.

Physical and/or occupational therapists will teach you how to exercise, walk and complete routine activities, such as dressing and cooking. Your doctor and physical therapist will also teach you about some best practices you can follow at home to help the hip heal.