More than 332,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Hip pain can be difficult to overcome, as it affects your everyday activities, such as putting on your shoes, getting out of bed or walking. If you are experiencing hip pain, it may be due to damage from hip osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, injury, fractures, childhood hip disease or other chronic conditions.

If your symptoms are not adequately treated with activity changes, medications and the use of walking supports, your doctor may recommend hip replacement surgery.

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The orthopedic surgeons at South Texas Surgical Hospital and Outpatient Center are highly trained and experienced in hip replacement surgery. This effective surgery can relieve your joint pain, improve hip function and improve your quality of life.

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Total Hip Arthroplasty

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Total hip replacement, also called total hip arthroplasty, is an inpatient procedure in which the orthopedic surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage and replaces it with prosthetic components as described below:

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• The damaged femoral head is removed and replaced with a metal stem. The metal stem is placed into the femur’s hollow center.

• A metal or ceramic ball is fitted on to the stem to replace the damaged femoral head that was removed.

• The damaged cartilage surface of the socket (acetabulum) is replaced with a metal socket.

• A ceramic, metal, or plastic spacer is placed between the new ball and the socket so the artificial components engage smoothly.

 

Patients may spend one to three days in the hospital following total hip replacement. After total hip replacement surgery, a large majority of patients walk freely after two months.