FAQ

HIP

There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend hip replacement surgery. People who benefit from hip replacement surgery often have:

  • Hip pain that limits everyday activities, such as walking or bending
  • Hip pain that continues while resting, either day or night
  • Stiffness in a hip that limits the ability to move or lift the leg
  • Inadequate pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy or walking supports

The decision to have hip replacement surgery should be a cooperative one made by you, your family, your primary care doctor and your orthopaedic surgeon. According to hospital billing data, each year more than 340,000 such procedures are performed in the US.2 Even better news is that the US Department of Health and Human services considers total hip replacement to be one of the most successful and cost effective interventions in medicine.2 In fact, the success rate for hip replacements 10 years after surgery is 90-95%.2

There are no absolute age or weight restrictions for total hip replacements. Recommendations for surgery are based on a patient’s pain and disability, not age. Most patients who undergo total hip replacement are 50 to 80 years old2, but orthopaedic surgeons evaluate patients individually. Total hip replacements have been performed successfully at all ages.

During hip replacement surgery, the surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage of the joint and replaces it with smooth, artificial implants—thereby eliminating painful bone-on-bone contact.

The only way to know if you are a candidate for a total hip replacement is to talk to an orthopedic surgeon who can review your specific situation.

  • Age – Most patients who decide to have total hip replacement surgery are between the ages of 50 and 80.1
  • Safety – Total hip replacement is one of the most successful procedures in all of medicine.1 OXINIMUM total hip implants can help relieve pain and restore motion but may not feel exactly the same as your natural hip.
  • Timing – Surgery shouldn’t be your first treatment option. If hip pain limits your everyday activities, like walking, climbing stairs or even resting, it’s time to talk to your doctor about all your treatment options.

There are different ways to perform hip replacement surgery. Your doctor may choose to operate on the joint from the side, back or front depending upon which is best for your condition, anatomy and surgical needs.

Hip replacement surgery is a complex procedure. However, the outcomes following the surgery are usually very successful.2 One of the necessary success factors is following the physical rehabilitation process. You must actively participate in the rehab process and work diligently on your own and the physical therapists to achieve optimal results.

Each patient’s recovery is unique and will be determined by your doctor based on your symptoms, injury pattern, unique anatomy, medical history, and individual treatment requirements. Not all patients will have the same surgical procedure or timelines for rehabilitation.

All surgery has the potential for complications. You should talk to your surgeon about these concerns before deciding what treatment is right for you.

Some possible risks associated with total hip replacement include but are not limited to:

  • Blood clotting (thrombophlebitis) – Venous thromboembolism (VTE), also known as blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), can occur after surgery and can restrict the flow of blood clots and oxygen throughout your body. There are measures, such as medication and exercises your medical team may use to help avoid blood clots.
  • Infection – Although doctors, nurses and technicians take great precautions before, during and after surgery to avoid infection, it can occur. If a significant infection should occur, additional surgery and/or removal of the implant may be necessary.
  • Pneumonia – Many patients wake up from anesthesia feeling weak and sore. As a result, they may also feel uncomfortable breathing deeply. However, if you don’t inhale and exhale fully, fluids could pool in your lungs, causing congestion or pneumonia. Your medical team may use a device and deep breathing exercises to minimize the risk.
  • Fracture – It is possible for the upper part of the thigh bone to break after the hip stem is inserted. Often caused by putting too much weight on the joint too quickly, this type of break can also be the result of small movements of the stem that, over time, can weaken the surrounding bone.
  • Hip dislocation – One of the most common problems following surgery is hip dislocation. Because the new hip ball and socket are smaller than your natural hip, the ball can pop out of the socket if the hip moves in certain positions. Your medical team will provide tips on ways to avoid this issue.
  • Nerve or vascular complications – It’s uncommon but possible for nerves or blood vessels in the area around the joint to be damaged during surgery.

In some cases, you may need additional surgery to address a complication.

Important safety notes: Individual results of joint replacement vary. Implants are intended to relieve joint pain and improve function, but may not produce the same feel or function as your original knee. There are potential risks with joint replacement surgery such as loosening, wear and infection that may result in the need for additional surgery. Patients should not perform high impact activities such as running and jumping unless their surgeon tells them that the bone has healed and these activities are acceptable. Early device failure, breakage or loosening may occur if a surgeon’s limitations on activity level are not followed.

Dr. Joshua Murphy

Joshua Murphy, M.D., is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in minimally invasive hip and knee replacements. He has additional experience in trauma, fracture care, sports related injuries, general orthopaedics, and minimally invasive techniques.

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