Hip Replacement Surgery
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Melissa's Story – Hip Replacement
Melissa's Hip Replacement helped her live pain free.
Hip pain may seem like a common ailment, but suffering through simple activities like walking, bending or even resting isn’t normal — nor is it necessary. You can return to the lifestyle you once enjoyed with help from AtlantiCare’s Musculoskeletal Institute.
Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons specialize in total hip replacement, a common procedure in which an injured or diseased joint is replaced with state-of-the-art artificial components. There was a time when this procedure meant spending a week or more in the hospital, followed by a lengthy and sometimes difficult recovery. At AtlantiCare, we offer newer, minimally invasive techniques to help you get back on your feet much quicker.
Call 1-844-230-4655 to schedule your consultation today.
Direct Anterior Hip: Get Moving Again Sooner
Older hip replacement methods required large incisions and detaching key muscles and tendons, resulting in more trauma. AtlantiCare surgeons specialize in newer techniques like the direct anterior approach, allowing them to reach the hip from the front, so the joint can be replaced without damaging nearby muscles or tendons.
That may offer you a variety of benefits, including:
- Less pain: The post-operative experience is usually much easier.
- Less scarring: The surgery requires just a single, relatively small incision.
- Fewer restrictions: Most patients have significantly greater mobility and range of motion immediately following surgery and can bear full weight when it feels comfortable. It is not uncommon for people to begin their recovery exercises within a few days of the procedure.
- Shorter hospital stay: You may even be able to go home the same day as surgery.
- Quicker recovery: Most patients recover and return to full function faster than traditional hip replacement.
- Decreased risk of dislocation: A common concern for hip replacements is that the new ball and socket will fall out of place. Because the anterior hip technique does not bother surrounding tissue, you’re much less likely to experience dislocation or other complications.
Robotic Hip Replacement: Better Precision, Less Incision
AtlantiCare surgeons are also specially trained in some of the most advanced technology available, including robotic systems. This allows us to generate a 3D image of your unique hip anatomy prior to your surgery. During the procedure, your surgeon then guides a robotic-arm based on that plan, allowing for the exact positioning of your implant. The result is a more natural feeling hip joint, along with less risk for dislocation, less blood loss and better preservation of healthy bone.
Support for Every Step
We know hip replacement surgery can feel daunting, but with our specially designed program, the experience is much easier than you may think. Every step of your journey is highly coordinated, starting with a pre-operative class so you can feel confident and prepared. Shortly after surgery, a physical therapist or orthopedic nurse will help you get up and moving. We'll then likely have you home the same day as your procedure to recover comfortably in your own bed.
Hip Replacement FAQ
Find answers to common questions below.
Your hip joint contains a layer of smooth cartilage on the ball of the upper thigh bone (femur) and another layer of cartilage in the hip socket. The cartilage acts as a cushion and allows smooth hip motion.
Arthritis causes a gradual wearing down of this cartilage until there’s none left. Every time you move, it’s bone rubbing against bone without the pillow of cartilage to ease your movement.
The arthritic ball of your upper thigh bone, as well as the damaged cartilage from your hip socket, is removed.
- The ball is replaced with a metal ball solidly inserted inside your femur.
- The socket is replaced with a plastic or metal liner that’s usually fixed inside a metal shell.
- Result: You have a smoothly functioning joint that leaves you pain-free.
Results from a total hip replacement vary depending on:
- The quality of the surrounding tissue
- The severity of your arthritis at the time of surgery
- How well you follow the physician's instructions
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, be sure to speak to your physician about the potential benefits and risks associated with surgery.
That's between you and your surgeon. Your doctor can help you determine whether you're a good candidate for this kind of surgery. Advanced age is not necessarily a concern if you are in reasonably good health and wish to continue living an active life.
With hip replacement surgery, complications are infrequent, but a couple can occur occasionally:
- Infection: To avoid infection, use the antiseptic wash that is given to you prior to surgery. Proper handwashing is also essential. Antibiotics are given before and after surgery to reduce the risk of infection.
- Blood clots: Blood thinners will be given to you postoperatively to prevent blood clots. Special compression devices are used in the hospital to reduce the risk of blood clots as well.
After your procedure, you will need therapy either at home or in an inpatient facility for an additional week or two. Our team will design a rehabilitation plan that is designed to fit your specific needs.
You will need to have physical therapy in the hospital after joint surgery. The number of physical therapy sessions needed varies by
A walker, cane or crutches may be used for about two to four weeks. Our staff will take care of any equipment needs you may have prior to discharge from the hospital.