Hip Replacement FAQs

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• 1. Is total hip replacement only for people with osteoarthritis?

  There are several indications for total hip replacement. Specific disorders include:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Arthritis resulting from previous injury to the bones in the joint
  • Corrections of various bone deformities
  • Direct trauma to the joint (such as a fracture)
  • Lack of blood supply that leads to bone death (avascular necrosis)
  • Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)

• 2. What are my non-surgical options before considering joint replacement?

  • Assistant devices such as a support brace, a cane, or a walker may provide relief when joint pain does not affect everyday activities.
  • Exercise or physical therapy can strengthen the muscles around the affected joint(s), possibly providing relief from pain while improving mobility and function.
  • Medical management including non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections may reduce painful joint inflammation and restore function.

• 3. Is age a consideration for joint replacement?

  Age is a consideration, though quality of life is more important. Older patients are preferable only because they run less of a risk for revisions. For younger patients, alternative treatments may buy more time. Age is not a problem if you are in reasonably good health and have the desire to continue living a productive, active life. See your personal physician for an opinion about your general health and readiness for surgery.

• 4. What can I expect from the surgical experience?

  • A surgical incision to your affected hip.
  • Length of surgery will be approximately one to two hours depending on correction.
  • Recovery room before you return to hospital room can be one to two hours return to your hospital room.
  • Rehabilitation and walking begin the day of surgery.
  • Hospital stay is typically one to three days depending on your recovery.

• 5. What type of rehabilitation can I expect following surgery?

  Exercise is necessary for proper healing. Your surgeon will likely recommend therapy to assist you with gentle leg movement, strengthening and mobility exercises beginning the day of surgery. Formal physical therapy will begin in the hospital and usually continues after discharge for approximately six weeks.

• 6. Can I participate in regular activities after surgery?

  Patients with total joint replacement can typically participate in low-impact activities after surgery. Golfing, walking and swimming are a few examples. Talk to your doctor before participating in any activity.

• 7. Are there any restrictions on exercise or movement with my new hip?

  Yes, your surgeon will inform you about the activities and movements to avoid immediately after surgery. These restrictions will last for approximately six weeks:

  • Do not cross legs or ankles when sitting, standing or lying down.
  • Keep knees below hips at all times.
  • Do not bend at the hips for more than a 90-degree angle.

• 8. How often will I need to see my surgeon after surgery?

  Follow-up appointments will occur at three weeks, six weeks, three months, and either six months or annually. Your surgeon will set a follow-up schedule for the first year after surgery to evaluate your progress. You will be seen regularly thereafter. Complications can occur with implants, so seeing your surgeon when you notice a change in symptoms can assist in evaluating any changes that may occur with your new joint.

• 9. What are the benefits of joint replacement?

  • Reduced joint pain.
  • Increased mobility and leg function.
  • Return to a more active lifestyle.

• 10. Are there risks from surgery?

  While uncommon, complications can occur during and after surgery. These may include infection, blood clots, implant migration, misalignment, dislocation and premature wear. Although total hip replacement surgery is successful in most cases, some patients will experience pain and stiffness. No implant will last forever, and factors such as the patient’s activities after surgery and weight can affect longevity. Be sure to discuss these and other risks with your surgeon.

  There are many things that your surgeon may do to minimize the potential for complications. Your surgeon will have you see a medical physician before surgery to obtain diagnostic tests for your overall health picture. You also need to have your dental work up to date and prepare your home to avoid falls. Dental work and cleaning is a requirement because having a cavity or abscess in your mouth can seed your new joint replacement, causing infection in the joint.

• 11. What precautions must I take with my new hip?

  Your surgeon will tell you exactly what restrictions you have following surgery, dependent on approach, type of device selected for you and overall health. Most total hip replacement recipients must avoid moving their hip greater than 90 degrees and sitting for long periods of time for six weeks following surgery until the joint capsule heals. Your surgeon will re-examine your joint during follow-up appointments, and if everything looks good, restrictions will be lifted.

  So many patients are pleased with their hip replacement and improved quality of life that they report they wish they had done it sooner.

• 12. Can I go through airport security with my new hip?

  If any part of your implant is metal, there is a good possibility that it will set off the metal detector in the airport security line. If you set off the detector, security agents will direct you to a separate line and inspect you with a wand-like handheld detector. Inform the agent that you have some metal in your hips and he will check you by hand. Make sure your pants pockets are empty so the agent can immediately determine that you aren't carrying a weapon. After a couple of minutes you will be on your way. If you are traveling with someone, you should go first through the x-ray line and your companion second. He can attend to your belongings while you undergo further inspection.