PROCEDURE

Hip replacement is performed as an inpatient operation, which requires a hospital stay of a few days. The procedure requires either general or spinal anesthesia, and generally takes one to two hours. The surgeons will open the side of your hip and expose the bone underneath, and cut away all diseased or damaged bone, as well as the cartilage lining the surface of the joint. They will then insert a prosthetic socket made of metal, ceramic, or plastic into the top of the remaining portion of your femur. For older patients or those not very physically active, the surgeons will usually secure this socket with surgical cement, and for younger and more active patients, the bottom of the socket may have an exterior surface designed to encourage new bone growth. Once they have this socket firmly in place, your surgeons will take a metal or ceramic prosthetic ball joint and secure it inside the prosthetic socket to form the new hip joint.

 

Hospital stay is typically from 3 to 7 days and during this time you will perform rehabilitative activities under the guidance of a physical therapist. It may be necessary to wear anti-embolism stockings to reduce the risk the formation of blood clots. Any discomfort can be helped by temporary use of medication.

You may expect to travel in 7 to 10 days after surgery.

 

RISKS

There are possible risks and complications associated with anesthesia, and other risks:

 

   •  Infections requiring antibiotics and in some cases hospitalization

   •  Blood clots in your pelvic or legs

   •  Injury to nerves and blood vessels

   •  Dislocation of the new hip joint

 

Risks can be minimized by following the surgeon's instructions before and after surgery.

 

This information should be used only as a guide to your medical procedure. All specifics will be discussed with your surgeon at your consultation. For more information about our packages for hip replacement surgery at Saint Luke's, contact us by using the attached “Ask a Question” form.