Hip replacement, also called total hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace a worn out or damaged hip joint with a prosthesis (an artificial joint). This surgery may be an option after a hip fracture or for severe pain due to arthritis. Hip specialist, Dr. Austin Chen specializes in hip replacement surgeries, and cares for patients living the greater Boulder, Colorado area.
Various types of conditions may affect the hip joint:
- Osteoarthritis. This is a degenerative joint disease that affects mostly middle-aged and older adults. It may cause the breakdown of joint cartilage and adjacent bone in the hips.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. This type of arthritis causes inflammation of the synovial lining of the joint and results in excessive synovial fluid. It may lead to severe pain and stiffness.
- Traumatic arthritis. This is arthritis resulting from an injury. It may also cause damage to the hip cartilage.
- Avascular necrosis. An injury to the hip, such as a dislocation or fracture, may limit the blood supply to the femoral head. This is called avascular necrosis (also commonly referred to as “osteonecrosis”). The lack of blood may cause the surface of the bone to collapse, and arthritis will result. Some diseases can also cause avascular necrosis.
- Childhood hip disease. Some infants and children have hip problems. Even though the problems are successfully treated during childhood, they may still cause arthritis later on in life. This happens because the hip may not grow normally, and the joint surfaces are affected.
The goal of hip replacement surgery is to replace the parts of the hip joint that have been damaged and to relieve hip pain that can’t be controlled by other treatments.
A traditional hip replacement involves an incision several inches long over the hip joint. A newer approach that uses one or two smaller incisions to perform the procedure is called minimally invasive hip replacement. However, the minimally invasive procedure is not suited for all people who need hip replacement. Dr. Chen will determine the best procedure for you.
Why might I need hip replacement surgery?
Hip replacement surgery is a treatment for pain and disability in the hip. The most common condition that results in the need for hip replacement surgery is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis causes loss of joint cartilage in the hip. Damage to the cartilage and bones limits movement and may cause pain. People with severe pain due to degenerative joint disease may be unable to do normal activities that involve bending at the hip, such as walking or sitting, because they are painful. Other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis that results from a hip injury, can also lead to degeneration of the hip joint.
Hip replacement may also be used as a method of treating certain hip fractures. A fracture is an injury often from a fall. Pain from a fracture is severe and walking or even moving the leg is difficult. There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend hip replacement surgery.
People who benefit from hip replacement surgery often have:
- Hip pain that limits everyday activities, such as walking or bending
- Hip pain that continues while resting, either day or night
- Stiffness in a hip that limits the ability to move or lift the leg
- Inadequate pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, or walking supports
What happens in a hip replacement surgery?
The surgical procedure takes a few hours. Dr. Chen will remove the damaged cartilage and bone and then position new metal, plastic, or ceramic implants to restore the alignment and function of your hip.
What is a robotic hip replacement?
A robotic arm known as Mako is used in total hip replacement surgery. Mako can be used for Total Hip Replacement (THR), which is a procedure designed for patients who suffer from non-inflammatory or inflammatory degenerative joint disease of the hip. This technology provides Dr. Austin Chen with a patient-specific 3-D model to pre-plan your hip replacement. During surgery, Dr. Chen guides the robotic-arm while preparing the hip socket and positioning the implant based on your personalized pre-operative plan. The Mako system also allows Dr. Chen to make adjustments to your plan during surgery as needed. When he prepares the bone for the implant, the Mako system guides him within the pre-defined area and helps prevent Dr. Chen from moving outside the planned boundaries. This helps provide more accurate placement and alignment of your implant, allowing Dr. Austin Chen to focus on removal of diseased bone while helping to preserve healthy bone.
What is the recovery after a hip replacement surgery?
After having a hip replacement, you may expect your lifestyle to be a lot like how it was before surgery—but without the pain. That is what makes hip replacements one of the most successful surgeries, but it may take time. Being an active participant in the healing process can help you get there sooner and ensure a more successful outcome. A physical therapy regime will be given by Dr. Chen. Physical therapy can be completed through the Boulder Centre for Orthopedics Physical Therapy Center, which offers all patients complete and seamless recovery care.
