Comprehensive Guide to Hip Replacement Surgery: Procedures, Preparation, and Alternatives

Hip damage from conditions like arthritis or injury can cause debilitating pain, reduced mobility, and difficulty performing daily activities. When conservative treatments fail, surgeons may recommend hip replacement surgery to remove and replace damaged parts of the hip joint. This operation is often advised for persistent hip pain and stiffness.

Types of Hip Replacement Procedures

There are three main types of hip replacements:

Total hip replacement: Commonly known as arthroplasty, this procedure involves replacing both the socket and the femoral head with artificial implants. Surgeons use a plastic cup for the socket and a ceramic or metal ball for the femur head, fixing it with a metallic stem.

Partial hip replacement: Also called hemiarthroplasty, it only replaces one side of the hip joint, typically the femoral head.

Hip resurfacing: Instead of removing the entire joint, surgeons cap the femoral head after trimming it, preserving more of the natural bone.

Preparing for Surgery

If your doctor recommends a hip replacement, proper preparation is essential. Learn about implant materials, recovery expectations, and post-operative care. Arrange time off work and support at home. Consider adjusting furniture to prevent falls, and practice walking with crutches or a walker beforehand. Communicate with loved ones to ensure help during recovery. Additionally, improving overall health through exercise and strength training, especially for upper body, can aid recovery. Consult your physical therapist for pre-surgery exercises and plans.

Hospital stays typically last 3-5 days. Post-surgery, pain management and early physical therapy help restore mobility. Follow-up appointments are scheduled based on individual needs. Recovery generally takes 3 to 6 months, with gradual improvement noted over the first year. Adhering to medical advice and avoiding high-impact activities is crucial for long-term success.

Post-Surgery Exercises

Physical therapy and targeted exercises facilitate effective rehabilitation. Always perform exercises approved by your healthcare provider. Examples include ankle pumps, quad sets, gluteal squeezes, abduction/adduction movements, heel slides, short arc quads, standing heel raises, and knee flexion routines. These exercises promote strength and flexibility essential for joint stability and functional mobility.

Alternative Treatments

For some patients, especially older adults concerned about surgical risks, alternatives to hip replacement might be suitable. These include:

Minimally invasive approaches: Use of mobility aids, physical therapy, supplements, and medications to manage symptoms.

Resection arthroplasty: Removing damaged joint parts for those with severe mobility issues.

Hip osteotomy: Realigning the thigh or pelvis bones to reduce joint stress.

Regenerative therapies: Treatments aimed at repairing joint tissues, such as stem cell therapy, where stem cells and platelet-rich plasma are injected to promote healing and reduce inflammation.