Hip replacement digital treatment guide

If you've been experiencing hip pain, you may have considered hip replacement surgery. Learn the facts on treatment options and common questions about hip replacement surgery. 

What is hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement is a surgery that involves resurfacing or smoothing of the hip joint and cutting away of cartilage so that a prosthetic joint made of plastic, metal or a combination of both can be implanted and rejoined to existing bone and cartilage. As the area heals, new bone, cartilage and blood vessels form to increase blood flow to the area, relieve pain and enhance mobility.

Both total and partial hip replacements are available as mini-incision procedures at Main Line Health.

Common questions

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions patients have surrounding hip replacement surgery:

  • How severe does hip pain need to be to consider replacement surgery?

    Occasional muscle aches and pains are normal, but it’s time to consider seeing an orthopaedic provider, experienced in hip pain, when the pain begins to interfere with daily activity, disrupt sleep, or prevent a patient from completing everyday tasks independently.

  • Does a hip replacement require rehab and/or physical therapy after surgery?

    In order to experience the quickest recovery and most successful surgical results, a hip replacement patient should be ready to fully commit to rehabilitation. That includes performing regular post-surgical exercises and, if necessary, physical therapy.

  • How long will my mobility be limited after surgery?

    Much of a patient’s physical function typically returns in the first month. For an optimal recovery, it is important to follow both surgeon and therapy instructions several weeks after the operation.

Education and support programs

At Main Line Health, our orthopaedic team provides the following resources to patients for education, support and guidance during their care. These include:

Why choose Orthopaedics at Main Line Health

We know that patients in the community are looking for exceptional care as close to home as possible. Here are some examples of excellent service that Main Line Health can provide when patients choose us for their knee and hip replacements:

  • Private recovery rooms—patients can rest and recover with more relaxation and less stress
  • Rehab begins same day—starting the recovery process right away with a physical or occupational therapist specializing in orthopaedics. Patients also have the option of completing rehab at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital
  • 1- to 2-day average hospital stay—because home is where everyone would rather be, we focus on getting patients back to their daily activities as soon as possible
  • Accredited by The Joint Commission—Main Line Health is recognized nationwide for our commitment to quality and meeting performance standards

Types of hip replacement surgery

Treatment plans will be determined by the patient’s team of healthcare providers. The plan is based on a variety of factors, including age, health status, medical history and personal preferences.

Hip replacement options may include:

  • Posterior hip replacement—This procedure is a traditional total hip replacement where an incision is made behind the major walking muscles. The surgeon replaces the hip joint with a prosthetic implant to treat severe physical damage, either from arthritis or injury.
  • Anterior hip replacement—An alternative type of total hip replacement where incisions are made on the front of the hip area to access the hip. The surgeon replaces the hip joint with a prosthetic implant to treat severe physical damage, either from arthritis or injury
  • Mini-incision total hip replacement (posterior or anterior)—Minimally invasive replacement surgery involves two smaller incisions, rather than a standard hip replacement surgery that uses one long incision. In the mini-incision procedure, small instruments allow the surgeon to move aside muscles, ligaments, and tendons rather than cut through them, greatly reducing discomfort after surgery and rehabilitation time.
  • Partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty)—A surgical procedure that replaces one half of the joint with an artificial surface and leaves the other part in its natural state. If the ends of the broken bone are displaced or damaged, the surgeon may remove the head and neck of the femur and install a replacement (prosthesis). The procedure is recommended only for elderly and frail patients.

Diagnostic methods

Before evaluating a patient’s eligibility for surgery, a healthcare provider will perform tests to ensure that surgery will properly address the patient’s condition. Tests may include:

  • X-rays
  • MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan
  • CT (computed tomography) scan
  • Ultrasound
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