Decreased mobility, pain and the inability to perform daily tasks can be a frustrating reality for those who experience severe hip pain. When you can’t sleep well at night, walk around the grocery store and go for walks outdoors, your quality of life can suffer.

The good news is, total hip replacement surgery has evolved over the years and the advancements that have been made can change the course of a person’s life.

What happens during a hip replacement surgery?

During a total hip replacement (or total hip arthroplasty, as it is sometimes called), a physician will remove the damaged femoral head and replace it with a metal stem that is then inserted into a hollow area of the femur. An artificial ball will then be placed on the top of the stem. The ball is typically made of metal or ceramic material. An artificial socket will also be inserted after the damaged cartilage is removed. Along with other components, these pieces will fit together perfectly to form the new ball and socket in your hip joint.

Your doctor will help you find the hip replacement method that best meets your needs.

They will either recommend a posterior hip replacement or an anterior surgical approach.

Posterior hip replacement, a more traditional approach, involves a surgical incision along the outer buttock and provides access to the joint through the muscles on the back side of the lower pelvis.

Hip replacement using an anterior surgical approach may not be suitable for all patients, but for those with limited comorbidities and who are not significantly overweight, it can be a successful alternative.

Long-Term Results

While the procedure will temporarily limit mobility as you heal, artificial hip joints can last for anywhere between 10 to 20 years. The longevity and quality of life that hip replacement surgery provides allows people to live normal lives, pain free.

After having a total hip replacement surgery, most patients:

• Experience better range of motion
• Are able to walk and move without chronic and excruciating pain
• Can resume the activities and hobbies they had before the hip pain got in the way
• Have a vastly improved quality of life

Research has also found that those who decided to undergo total hip replacement surgery greatly reduced their chances of heart failure, diabetes and depression compared to those who avoided treatment.

The long-term results that a total hip replacement provides can help you enjoy life to its fullest. If your hip is causing you chronic and severe pain, it might be time to see a doctor. Hear one patient’s story to learn more about total joint replacement and see how Campbell Clinic can find the best treatment method for your lifestyle.

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