Hip replacement
When hip pain keeps you from enjoying life and doing the things you want to do, it's time to talk to one of the orthopedic specialists at Norton King's Daughters' Health. A variety of treatment options are available, including total hip replacement surgery. As part of our Joint Replacement Program, patients who choose hip replacement at KDH receive a comprehensive care plan that includes presurgery evaluation and post-surgery follow-up. We want you to have an exceptional experience and successful recovery. As we like to say, It's your life. Go live it!
Watch orthopedic surgeon Dr. Nathan Polley explain our hip replacement care plan and see how we take care of all our patient’s needs and learn more about Orthopedic hip and replacement surgeon Dr. Nathan Polley.
Hip Replacement Care Plan at Norton King's Daughters' Health
Anterior approach
9 facts & myths about hip replacement surgery
Are you missing out on favorite activities because of misbeliefs?
If you're thinking about having hip replacement surgery, it's important to know the facts about the procedure so you can make an informed decision about what's right for you. Here are some important facts (and common misconceptions) about hip replacement.
FACT: Hip replacement is one of the most successful surgeries in all of medicine.
Hip replacement works for most people. If you have pain and trouble getting around, a new hip will most likely improve the quality of your life and ease your pain.
Every surgery has risks. Your doctor will explain these risks to you. But hip replacement overall is very safe. Each year, many thousands of people have this operation.
MYTH: Hip surgery is just for older people.
Age alone isn't a factor when it comes to who should have their hip replaced. It has more to do with the amount of pain you're in and any limits on your activities. While most people who have a hip replacement are over 50, younger people have also had the surgery.
MYTH: Having surgery isn't worth the pain.
You will have some pain after surgery. But your doctor will help you control it. Once you heal from surgery, you should have significantly less pain than you did before the procedure.
FACT: Hip replacement surgery doesn't involve a lengthy hospital stay.
You might spend just a few days in the hospital—or go home the same day. For a while, you'll need help at home with tasks such as cooking, shopping and bathing. If you don't have a caregiver to provide this support—or if you need additional therapy to recover—you might need a short stay in a skilled nursing or rehab facility before you go home.
MYTH: The recovery from hip replacement is long and hard.
You'll likely start walking with assistance the day of your surgery. Most people can resume everyday activities within three to six weeks. By two months, many people are well on their way to full recovery, though you will continue to get stronger for up to 12 months after the surgery. Physical therapy and/or home exercises can help you get stronger.
FACT: Artificial hips can last for many years.
Today, hip implants are made from strong materials. A hip implant can last for 15 to 20 years, if you take good care of it.
MYTH: You won't be able to do normal activities or work again after hip replacement.
Actually, a new hip can help you move better. So you should be able to do more with it than you could before surgery. In time, you might even forget that you've had your hip replaced.
Ask your surgeon what you can expect from a new hip. Be sure to discuss your current occupation and your expectations.
MYTH: Most people regret having their hip replaced.
In one study, 89% of people who had hip replacement surgery were happy with their new hips. And 96% said they'd do it again. The one thing many people may regret is that they didn't do it sooner.
FACT: Needing a hip replacement isn't something to be ashamed of.
Many people end up needing a new hip because of the wear and tear of arthritis (which often runs in families) or injuries. Deciding to have a surgery that can help you get your life back again is a sign of strength—not failure or weakness.
Do you need a new hip?
Here are 4 signs it might be time.
Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
Reviewed 7/20/2022
Sources
- American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. "Don't Take Your New Joint for Granted: Follow-up Care." https://hipknee.aahks.org/dont-take-your-new-joint-for-granted-follow-up-care/.
- American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. "How to Get the Most out of Your Joint Replacement." https://hipknee.aahks.org/how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-joint-replacement/.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. "Joint Replacement Surgery: Health Information Basics for Your and your Family." https://www.niams.nih.gov/community-outreach-initiative/understanding-joint-health/joint-replacement-surgery.
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. "Hip Replacement Surgery." https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/hip-replacement-surgery.
- OrthoInfo. "Total Hip Replacement." https://orthoinfo.org/en/treatment/total-hip-replacement/.
Anterior-approach total hip replacement is less invasive than traditional procedures. With the anterior approach plan, your orthopedic surgeon makes a small incision on the front (anterior) of the hip rather than a larger incision on the side or back of the hip. The anterior incision allows the Orthopedic surgeon to work between the muscles without having to detach them from bones of the hip or thigh. Sparing the muscles minimizes trauma and promotes a more rapid recovery. A smaller incision also means less scarring. With the incision on the front of the hip, patients avoid the discomforts associated with sitting on the incision site. Regardless of body size or shape, most patients are candidates for the anterior hip replacement care plan.
Benefits of a Comprehensive Program
With the anterior approach, the muscles are spared (not cut or detached) during surgery. This provides immediate stability to the hip joint after surgery. It also means that patients have few, if any, of the traditional post-surgery restrictions, such as limits on how long they may sit, stand or lie down in a certain position. Patients begin moving (walking) soon after the procedure (generally the same day) and often go home in one or two days following surgery.
Uneven leg length has long been a risk associated with traditional hip replacement surgery. To eliminate this risk, patients undergoing anterior-approach surgery lie on their back, using a special table. This allows x-rays to be used during the procedure to measure and verify leg length and implant position. A patient leaves the operating room with the artificial hip components best suited to his or her body.
Patients undergoing anterior-approach hip replacement begin rehabilitation while still in the hospital. They are seen by physical therapists for gait (stride) training and functional activities. Because the muscles around the hip are spared, full weight-bearing exercises are allowed and encouraged. Basic therapy goals are achieved quickly, allowing the patient to go home in one or two days. In general, additional physical therapy is needed only on an outpatient basis once patients return home.
Whether you enjoy golf, gardening, fishing, walking or almost any other physical activity, you will be able to resume your favorite pastimes more quickly with the anterior approach to hip replacement. Every patient is different. Your doctor will provide you with a more detailed timetable as you progress through recovery.