Call 602-943-1111 for a referral to one of our orthopedic surgeons who specialize in hip replacement in Arizona
Hip replacement surgery can relieve pain, increase motion, and help the patient get back to enjoying normal, everyday activities. John C. Lincoln’s orthopedic staff includes experts in hip replacement surgery. We talked with them about causes of hip pain, surgical options and postsurgery recovery.
How does hip pain develop?
Hip arthritis is the most common cause of chronic hip pain and disability. Arthritis can severely limit daily activities, such as walking, bending and sitting down.
Three major kinds of hip arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis typically affects people older than 50. Cartilage cushioning the bones of the hip wears away; bones rub against each other.
- Rheumatoid hip arthritis is an autoimmune disease involving the synovial membrane, which makes a small amount of fluid that lubricates the hip joint. The membrane becomes inflamed and produces too much synovial fluid, which damages the articular cartilage.
- Traumatic hip arthritis can follow a serious hip injury. A hip fracture can cause avascular necrosis, which damages hip joint cartilage.
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| During hip replacement surgery, an orthopedic surgeon will remove damaged hip cartilage and bone, then position new metal, plastic or ceramic joint surfaces to restore the alignment and function of the patient's hip. |
How can hip replacement surgery alleviate hip pain?
Essentially, hip replacement surgery is replacing a diseased hip joint with an artificial joint.
The procedure takes a few hours. An orthopedic surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone, then position new metal, plastic or ceramic joint surfaces to restore the hip’s alignment and function.
Artificial hip joints share two basic components:
- The ball component, made of a highly polished, strong metal or ceramic material.
- The socket component, a durable cup of plastic, ceramic or metal, which may have an outer metal shell.
Special surgical cement may be used to fill the gap between the prosthesis and natural bone, and to secure the artificial joint.
Younger, active patients with strong bone may require a noncemented prosthesis. This piece may be coated with textured metal or a special bone-like substance, which allows bone to grow into the prosthesis.
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How can a patient decide whether to have hip replacement surgery?
Surgery may be necessary after conservative treatment options, such as anti-inflammatory medications, offer little pain relief.
Ultimately, the decision to have hip replacement surgery should be a collaboration between patient, family members, primary care physician and orthopedic surgeon.
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After hip replacement, what is the recovery process like?
The hospital stay usually lasts a few days. Light activity is important to hip replacement recovery. Most hip replacement patients begin standing and walking, with a support, on the day after hip replacement.
A physical therapist will teach exercises that strengthen the hip and restore movement for walking and other activities.
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What else should patients know about hip replacement surgery?
An important factor in deciding whether to have hip replacement surgery in Arizona at John C. Lincoln is understanding what the procedure can and can't do. Most people who undergo hip replacement surgery experience a dramatic reduction of pain and a significant improvement in their ability to perform daily activities. However, hip replacement surgery won’t make you more active than before.
Also, even with normal use, an artificial joint can wear down gradually over time. If you participate in high-impact activities or are overweight, wear may accelerate, and the prosthesis could loosen and become painful.
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