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Your hip helps you perform many activities, such as walking, climbing stairs and even lying in bed. Experiencing hip pain can severely limit or prevent you from being active. To get you back to your normal routine and enjoying life, your doctor may recommend hip replacement surgery. Every year, more than 200,000 people have hip replacement surgery.
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The hip joint is one of the largest joints in the body. It is made up of the ball (head) of the thigh bone (femur), which fits into a socket (acetabulum) in the pelvis. The ball and socket are covered with smooth cartilage. This allows the ball to glide easily inside the socket. Muscles and ligaments help keep your hip strong and stable. |
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When arthritis develops in the hip, the cartilage wears out and there is no longer a cushion for the bones. The bones then become rough as they rub together. The ball grinds in the socket when the leg moves, causing pain and stiffness. Hip replacement surgery can help ease your pain and get you back to enjoying life again. |
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During hip replacement surgery, the surgeon will make an incision in the front, side or back of the hip. The ball of the femur will be cut off, and an artificial stem will be placed into the thighbone. |
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An artificial ball replaces the ball of the femur. An artificial cup is placed in the socket of the pelvis. These parts fit together to create the new hip joint. The parts of the new hip come in different sizes and materials. Your surgeon will decide which size is the best fit for you. |
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The incision is closed with staples, stitches and/or glue. Any arthritis in your hip will be gone. |
Over time, your pain should decrease, and your hip function should improve. Your surgeon will do the easy part; it's up to you to do the rest - physical therapy and following your surgeon's instructions.
Norton Orthopaedic Care offers several surgical approaches to total hip replacement. These include:
- Minimally invasive (also known as less invasive)
- Anterior approach (from the front of the hip)
- Posterior approach (from the back of the hip)
- Accelerated rehabilitation (after surgery)
Norton Joint Care
We understand joint replacement surgery may sound intimidating. If surgery has been recommended for you, you may have many questions. The Norton Joint Care program includes comprehensive education and rehabilitation components, so you will know what to expect before, during and after surgery.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (502) 629-1234. |
