Hip Replacement Overview

Related Media: Hip Replacement

Definition

A total hip replacement is a surgery to replace a diseased or injured hip joint. An artificial ball-and-socket joint is inserted to make a new hip. The artificial joint is called a prosthesis.

A minimally invasive total hip replacement is also a surgery to replace a diseased or injured hip joint. This surgery only requires one or two tiny incisions and special instruments. People eligible for this surgery are typically:

Younger than 50
Normal weight
Healthier than those who undergo the traditional total hip replacement surgery

Left Total Hip Replacement

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What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor may do the following:

Physical exam
X-rays —a test that uses radiation to take a picture of structures inside the body
Blood tests
MRI scan —a test that uses a magnetic field to make pictures of structures inside the body
CT Scan —a special type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the body

In the time leading up to the procedure:

Try to lose weight if you are overweight. This will decrease the amount of stress on your new joint. Pool exercise may be a good option.
To enhance safety and recovery, make home modifications:

Install safety bars, a raised toilet seat, a shower bench, and hose. Install handrails on stairways and steps.
Remove throw rugs. Check to make sure extension cords are in a safe place.
Purchase a stable, firm-backed arm chair. When seated, your knees should remain lower than your hips.
Buy items to make daily activities easier (eg, reachers, dressing aids).
Place items so that they are easy to reach. This way, you will be able to avoid bending.
Talk to your doctor about your medicines. You may be asked to stop taking some medicines up to one week before the procedure, like:

Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin )
Blood thinners, like clopidogrel (Plavix) or warfarin (Coumadin)
Your doctor may suggest donating your own blood for the surgery. You will most likely lose some blood and fluid during this surgery. If you need a blood transfusion , the doctor can use your own blood.
If you become sick or have a fever just before the surgery, tell your doctor right away.
Arrange for a ride to and from the hospital. Also, arrange for help at home.
If you smoke, try to smoke less or stop smoking .
Eat a light meal the night before the surgery. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. If you have diabetes, ask your doctor if you will need to adjust your medicine.

Anesthesia

General anesthesia will be used. It will block any pain and keep you asleep through the surgery. It is given through an IV in your hand or arm.

Description of the Procedure

Total Hip Replacement

The doctor will make an incision along your joint. The muscles will be moved aside. The damaged bone and cartilage of the hip joint will be removed. The doctor will then prepare the remaining bone for the prosthesis. The new plastic and metal joint will be placed in position. Depending on the type of prosthesis, the doctor may use bone cement to hold one or both parts of the artificial hip firmly to your bone. Lastly, the incision will be closed with stitches or staples.

Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement

This surgery may be done with one or two incisions.

For both types, special tools are used that fit into these small incisions. In some cases, x-rays will be used to help guide the doctor.

For the one-incision surgery, the doctor will make an incision over the outside of your hip. The doctor will move the muscles and tendons out of the way. Next, the damaged bone and cartilage of the hip joint will be removed. The doctor will prepare the remaining bone for the prosthesis. The new plastic and metal joint will then be placed in position. Depending on the type of prosthesis, bone cement may be used to hold the artificial hip in place. Lastly, the incision will be closed with staples or stitches.

In a two-incision surgery, the doctor will make an incision over the groin and another over the buttock. The above process will then be followed.

Placement of Prosthesis

How Long Will It Take?

Total hip replacement: many hours

Minimally invasive total hip replacements: 2-3 hours

How Much Will It Hurt?

You will have pain after the surgery. Pain medicine will be given to help with pain.

Average Hospital Stay

This procedure is done in a hospital setting. The usual length of stay is:

4-6 days for a total hip replacement
1-2 days for minimally invasive total hip replacement

Your doctor may choose to keep you longer, if complications arise. In some case, you may need to stay in a rehab unit. The focus will be on regaining function.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

While you are recovering at the hospital, you may need to:

Walk with help, using a walker , on the day after surgery.
Be careful. A fall can damage or dislocate the new joint. Do not try to walk without help.
Take medicine to prevent blood clots.
Wear compression boots or stockings.
Begin physical therapy to regain mobility and strength.
Breathe deeply and cough 10-20 times every hour—This will decrease the risk of fluid build-up in the lungs. The fluid can cause pneumonia .

At Home

When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:

Keep the incision area clean and dry.
When seated, place a V-shaped pillow between your legs. This will help you to maintain correct positioning of your hip.
Work with the physical therapist. You will learn how to move your hip and maintain proper alignment. You should also talk to your doctor and physical therapist about ways to prevent dislocations. Depending on your surgery, you may need to avoid crossing your legs, flexing your hips more than 90°, and turning your feet very far inward or outward.
Only take medicines recommended by your doctor. Do not take over-the-counter remedies without your doctor's approval.
Inform your dentist of your surgery. You may need antibiotics for some dental procedures. This will decrease the risk of bacteria entering the bloodstream and traveling to the prosthesis.
Maintain a healthy weight . Obesity can increase wear on your new joint.
Avoid jogging and other high-impact sports. This can also increase wear on the joint, cause it to loosen, and cause pain.
Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions .

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References

RESOURCES

American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
http://www.aapmr.org/

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
http://www.niams.nih.gov/

CANADIAN RESOURCES

The Arthritis Society
http://www.arthritis.ca/

Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/

References:

Activities after hip replacement. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00356 . Accessed November 18, 2008.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for bacteremia in patients with joint replacements. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://www.aaos.org/about/papers/advistmt/1033.asp . Published February 2009. Accessed November 10, 2009.

Dental work after a joint replacement. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A0022 . Updated April 2009. Accessed September 24, 2009.

Geerts WH, Pineo GF, Heit JA, et al. Prevention of venous thromboembolism: the Seventh ACCP Conference on Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Therapy. Chest. 2004;126(suppl 3):338S-400S.

Hip fracture. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated July 2009. Accessed July 21, 2009.

Hip replacement. National Institute of Arthritis, Musculoskeletal, and Skin Diseases website. Available at: http://www.niams.nih.gov/HealthInfo/HipReplacement/default.asp . Accessed November 17, 2008.

Lindström D, Azodi, Sadr O, et al. Effects of a perioperative smoking cessation intervention on postoperative complications: a randomized trial. AnnSurg. 2008;248:739-745.

Minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00404 . Accessed November 17, 2008.

Skerker RS, Mulford GJ. Frontera: Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Philadelphia, PA: Hanley and Belfus; 2002 (chap 56).