Total hip replacement is an orthopedic surgery that replaces damaged or diseased bone in your hip with artificial parts. We may recommend a total hip replacement if you continue to have hip pain even after nonsurgical treatments.
Hip replacement may help if your arthritis keeps you from your daily activities or sleep, or gives you hip weakness or loss of motion. Hip replacements can also treat hip fractures and some bone tumors.
During Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery can require a short stay at University Hospital. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your orthopedic surgeon's practices. During surgery, the surgeon will remove the damaged parts of your hip joint and replace them with artificial parts, called prostheses.
The two most common types of artificial hip prostheses used are cement prostheses and uncemented prostheses. A cemented prosthesis attaches to the bone with surgical cement, while an uncemented prosthesis attaches to the bone with a porous surface. Your orthopedic surgeon will talk about the options that may work best for you given your unique circumstances.
After Hip Replacement Surgery
A typical hip replacement surgery lasts about two hours. After the surgery, you’ll be moved to a private room. Your nursing and rehabilitation therapy team will help you get up and moving as soon as possible during your short hospital stay.
Your physical therapist will make an individualized plan to help you move and get from one surface to another. We strongly encourage your family and friends to participate and learn how to help you once you get home. The nursing team will help with your pain control so that you can participate in mobility training and a successful recovery.
Your case management team will work with your care team to plan for your discharge from the hospital. The team will also discuss any home care needs recommended for your recovery and arrange them before your discharge.
After you leave the hospital, you should follow up with your primary care physician. You will also have follow-up appointments with your orthopedic surgeon. University Health can seamlessly coordinate your care, and your care team will work together every step of the way.
After leaving the hospital, you may need physical therapy and/or outpatient rehabilitation, which we provide at multiple clinics.