If you are considering (or if your doctor has recommended) hip replacement surgery, it’s important for you to know what to expect to help determine whether it’s the right treatment approach for you.
Hip replacement surgery is often considered when hip pain significantly interferes with movement or sleep and does not improve with medication.
There are two main types of hip replacement surgery: total and partial hip replacement. A total hip replacement involves replacing the socket of your hip joint with a durable plastic cup and replacing your femoral head with a ball made of ceramic or metal. This ball is attached to a metal stem inserted into your femur. A partial hip replacement only involves replacing the femoral head; your natural hip joint socket is preserved.
The type of hip replacement surgery you get depends mainly on how much damage your hip joint has sustained. Total hip replacements are most commonly used as a last resort for treating arthritis pain. Partial hip replacements are more common for older people who have experienced an injury, such as a hip fracture.
During surgery, your surgeon may use certain specialized tools to perform your hip replacement safely and effectively. At Orthopedic Specialists of New York, our surgeons utilize the Mako robotic surgical assistant, which reduces the amount of cutting required during surgery and allows for more healthy bone tissue to be preserved.
Whether you receive a partial or total hip replacement, surgery can provide pain relief and restore some mobility to the joint. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there will still be limits to the types of physical activity you can engage in after your surgery. While most patients will be able to return to low-impact activities such as walking, jogging, or bicycle riding during or after their first-year post-surgery, it may be more dangerous to engage in high-impact activities such as competitive sports.
If you have any questions or concerns about hip replacement surgery, you can receive more detailed information from a doctor at Orthopedic Specialists Of New York. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 206-6923.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.