What is a Hip Replacement?

A hip replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged hip joint with an artificial prosthetic. Hip replacement surgery can be performed as a total hip replacement or partial hip replacement. Total hip replacement is far more common and provides relief to those with damage to both ends of the hip joint. Partial hip replacement is designed to treat patients with only partial damage to the hip joint.

In this article, we will talk about hip replacement and the most advanced techniques used by orthopedic surgeons to perform the procedure.

Who Needs a Hip Replacement?

The most common reason for having a hip replaced is to relieve pain from arthritis. Arthritis of the hip can occur due to wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the joint, resulting in bone-on-bone contact and pain with movement.

What Is a Total Hip Replacement?

A total hip replacement (THR) is surgery to replace the ball and socket joint of the hip, which had been damaged by arthritis or an injury. The socket is replaced with a plastic or metal cup, and the ball is usually made of metal. A stem may also be used to hold the new ball in place. This type of surgery can be done through an incision in the front or back of the hip.

Traditionally, a hip replacement is performed by making a very large incision, however, advances in joint replacement surgery have made it possible to complete it by making only several small incisions, in what’s called a minimally invasive hip replacement.

What Should Patients Know About Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement?

A minimally invasive hip replacement uses smaller incisions than traditional hip replacement surgeries. There is less damage to other soft tissues, as the minimally invasive surgery technique involves the use of an arthroscope, which is a thin, flexible, and lighted device, and smaller surgical tools. Minimally invasive hip replacement patients often have shorter hospital stays, less blood loss during surgery, and quicker recoveries compared to traditional hip replacement patients.

Regardless of whether you’ve had an open or minimally invasive hip replacement, you are going to need physical therapy rehabilitation. Each program is individualized to the patient, with the goal of helping them regain strength and range of motion following a hip replacement.

Not all patients are candidates for this type of surgery — particularly, obese patients and smokers, are not ideal for this surgery. Typically, younger patients with physically active lifestyles are ideal candidates for a minimally invasive hip replacement.

Hip Replacement Surgery in Baltimore, MD

The board-certified orthopedic surgeons at Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland have one goal – and that is to relieve hip pain so you can get your life back. Our doctors have studied and trained for years to become qualified to perform this procedure, and we have completed hundreds of hip replacements, including those that use the minimally invasive technique.

Our care does not stop after surgery, as we also offer physical therapy and rehabilitation services in some of our locations. We are determined to give you the highest quality orthopedic care in Central Maryland. To schedule an appointment with one of our hip replacement surgeons, call our office today at (410) 644-1880, or use our convenient online request form.