Primary hip replacement refers to a surgical procedure in which an artificial implant replaces the hip joint that may be either damaged or arthritic. It is relatively common to ease pain and increase movement in someone who has acute arthritis of the hip or other hip joint problems.
Candidates for hip replacement surgery usually have severe pain in the hip and stiffness that limit daily activities, including walking or climbing stairs, and for which other treatments such as medication or physical therapy have provided little to no relief. We will evaluate your overall health, age, and activity level to determine whether hip replacement is suitable for you.
Although hip replacement is generally safe, the possible risks from the surgery include infection, blood clots, hip dislocation, differences in leg length, and less commonly, loosening or failure of the implant. It is an effort for surgeons to reduce the possibility of some of these risks occurring. Technology and techniques have advanced, therefore making the operation much safer on the whole.
Recovery generally includes time in the hospital followed by physical therapy to recover strength and mobility. Most patients are able to walk with support within a few days of the surgery and continue to progress during the weeks thereafter. Complete recovery may take several months, during which the patient is advised to avoid high-impact activities and sharp movements to prevent injury to the new hip.
Hip replacements are now made to last 15 to 20 years or more, depending on activity level, age, and implant type. Some patients will not require any re-operations in their lifetime; however, some younger or highly active patients may need a revision hip replacement if the bearing surface wears out over time.