What Is a Hip Replacement?

by Gina Ponce

Overview

A hip replacement refers to a surgical procedure that removes a damaged hip joint, usually from injury or arthritis, and replaces it with an artificial joint. The process begins with exposing the hip joint, removing the ball segment and attaching the artificial piece to the thighbone. Any injured cartilage is removed, and then the replacement socket is connected to the hipbone. The ball is inserted into the socket, muscles are reattached and the incision is closed.
Function

A hip replacement is usually suggested when other treatment methods have proved ineffective and pain persists, or if the patient is experiencing bone tumors, osteoarthritis or osteonecrosis.

Types

A patient needing surgery will either have a total hip replacement or a minimally invasive technique. The size of the incision, 8 to 10 inches or 2 to 5 inches, is the biggest difference in the two methods.
Benefits

Hip replacements allow patients to resume everyday activities including walking, going up and down stairs and rising from a seated position without the pain they experienced before.
Considerations

It's important to exercise with a physical therapist after a hip replacement to improve range of motion, boost muscle strength and increase blood circulation.
Warning

Some patients experience hip dislocation, an inflammation reaction to the implant, blood clots, infection or abnormal bone growth after a hip replacement.

Overview