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Commonly Asked Questions Regarding Total Hip Replacement 1. Why replace the hip?A. There are multiple reasons for the destruction of a normal hip joint. The most common is osteoarthritis or degenerative change, a normal aging process with loss of the smooth articular surface on the ball of the hip. Other causes are trauma, old fractures, and rheumatoid arthritis. A circulatory disorder called avascular necrosis is an occasional factor in hip deterioration in younger adults. 2. What is the hip replacement?A. This involves removal of the ball of the thigh bone and replacement of the socket and the ball with a stem into the thigh bone. Years ago this was frequently done with cement technique. Now with advanced technology the vast majority of hip replacements can be carried out with press-fit or cementless fixation, and rapid recovery
3. Are there age limits for hip replacement?A. Almost any age can be approached surgically with the new technology of hip replacement. The new bearing surfaces with metal and metal or ceramic may last a lifetime. With extremely young adults, an alternative surgery of resurfacing or “new covering” over the ball joint can be performed. This has been around for 30 years and certainly has had a failure rate. 4. How long is the hospitalization and recovery to full weight bearing.A. Depending upon age and physical conditioning the hospital stay may be 1-3 days. Full weight bearing can be initiated between 1 and 3 weeks, particularly with a cane. The more elderly may require a walker for 3-4 weeks before progressing to a cane. Certainly at 5-6 weeks most people are independent ambulators. 5. Are there physical limitations after a total hip replacement?A. Initially there are restrictions well outlined in the physical therapy and hip manuals that are given to the patients. Most of these are abandoned after 6-8 weeks. A sedentary job may be a approached at 2-3 weeks, and a vigorous demanding job at 6-8 weeks. Exercise of most types is encouraged along with sports such as walking, cycling, swimming, etc. The rule of thumb is that patients who perform regular exercise after hip surgery function better than those who do not. 6. Are there significant risks or complications to hip replacement?A. As with any major operation, infection is the most prominent cause of failure. Blood clots, while treated prophylactically, are still a threat to some patients. Dislocation of the hip now with the larger ball and socket is becoming much less common. 7. How long will the hip replacement last?A. For most individuals over 40 or 50 the new titanium hips with large metal or ceramic bearings may last a lifetime. There is always the possibility of sensitivity to metal or ceramic wear particles, but this should be rare. Failure of the bone to grow to the implant is a potential cause of loosening, but this can be repaired with further surgery.
Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic has created an orthopaedic environment, which enables us to treat all types of orthopaedic problems and musculoskeletal diseases. We strive to offer the latest technological advances in orthopaedic care including onsite extremity MRI and custom orthotic services. All of our surgeons are board certified in orthopaedic surgery and have completed specialized training. This specialized training includes custom total joint replacement; arthroscopic procedures of the knee, shoulder and ankle; surgery of the spine; foot and ankle disorders and sports medicine.
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