A Step-By-Step Guide to Total Hip Replacement Surgery

For seniors dealing with the debilitating effects of hip arthritis, everyday activities as simple as walking or climbing stairs can become painful or even impossible. Thankfully, medical advancements offer solutions that can dramatically enhance quality of life. Total Hip Replacement (THR) surgery is a procedure that replaces the damaged hip joint with artificial material, offering increased mobility and decreased pain. This blog post is a comprehensive guide for seniors who are considering or have been advised to undergo a THR.

Understanding the Need for Total Hip Replacement

Hip arthritis, usually caused by age-related wear and tear, can lead to severe pain and stiffness that significantly impact daily life. When conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, and walking aids no longer alleviate the symptoms, THR may be the next course of action.

Physical signs that you might require a THR include:

• Chronic hip pain that limits daily activities
• Hip pain while resting or during the night
• Stiffness that hinders your ability to move or lift your leg
• Inadequate pain relief from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

By assessing these symptoms, you and your healthcare provider can determine if THR is the right step to reclaim your mobility.

The Involved Process of Total Hip Replacement

Before the surgery, a series of preparations are necessary. This includes a comprehensive examination, possibly including blood tests, X-rays, and MRIs, to evaluate your overall health and the extent of hip damage. It’s important to discuss any pre-existing conditions and medication you’re taking with your orthopedic surgeon to ensure all risks are minimized, and the procedure is tailored to your specific needs.

The surgery itself involves these key steps:

• An incision is made along the hip to expose the joint.
• The damaged bone is removed and replaced with prosthetic components.
• The cartilage is removed from the acetabulum (hip socket) and replaced with a metal socket.
• The head of the femur (thigh bone) is shaved and fitted with a metal stem and ball to replace the natural head of the femur
• The artificial ball and socket are then connected to restore hip functionality.

Post-surgery, recovery can take several months, during which physical therapy plays a crucial role in rebuilding strength and flexibility in the hip.

Exploring Surgical Approaches for Total Hip Replacement

There are two primary approaches to THR: the traditional posterior approach and the newer anterior approach. The main difference between the two is the path the surgeon takes to access the hip joint.

The traditional posterior approach goes through the back muscles, which are then detached and later reattached. This can lead to a longer recovery period and may require certain movement restrictions.

Conversely, the anterior approach involves accessing the joint from the front, without detaching any muscles. This is often lauded for potentially reducing recovery time and allowing for quicker rehabilitation. However, not all patients are suitable for this approach, and it’s important to discuss the pros and cons with your surgeon.

POSMC, a leading orthopedic center, specializes in both traditional total hip replacement and the advanced anterior approach, offering patients personalized care based on their condition and lifestyle.

How POSMC Can Assist You Through Total Hip Replacement

If you are considering THR, or if your healthcare provider has recommended it, the specialized team at POSMC is dedicated to walking you through the process. From the initial consultation to post-operative care, their orthopedic experts ensure you receive the best possible care and achieve optimal outcomes.

At every stage of your THR, POSMC aims to provide you with:

• Comprehensive pre-operative assessment and education
• Operation by highly qualified surgeons using the latest techniques and equipment
• A customized rehabilitation program to restore hip function and mobility
• Access to supportive resources for a smooth recovery
• A personalized approach, ensuring the best-suited method for you

By choosing POSMC, you are not just getting surgery; you are benefiting from a continuum of care designed to support you through every step of your orthopedic recovery.

Total Hip Replacement surgery can be a life-changing procedure for seniors affected by hip arthritis. Navigating through the process, from understanding the need to selecting the right surgical approach, is crucial in ensuring a successful outcome. With the specialized guidance available at places like POSMC, you can approach THR with confidence, knowing you’re in capable hands on the road to enhanced mobility and a pain-free life.

Call POSMC today!

To schedule an appointment with one our specialists, contact our scheduling department at 972-250-5700 or request an appointment online.

POSMC is a full-service medical facility specializing in the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic injuries. The practice is led by a group of 12 board-certified and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician. Contact us today!