Total Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement is designed to relieve pain and restore function in a damaged hip joint.

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Overview

During hip replacement surgery – also called arthroplasty – the damaged parts of the hip are removed and replaced with a new implant.

A total hip implant is made up of several components:

  • A femoral stem is inserted into the top of your femur (thigh bone) and is made of metal.


  • A femoral head is attached to the top of the stem and is made of metal or ceramic. It serves as the "ball" in the ball-and-socket structure of the hip joint.


  • A cup-shaped component is implanted in your pelvis (hip bone). It serves as the "socket" in the ball-and-socket structure and has two parts:


    • An outer layer made of metal that attaches to the pelvis

    • An inner liner made of smooth plastic or ceramic for the femoral head to glide over


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Is a total hip replacement right for me?

To find out if hip replacement is a treatment option, make an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon. The surgeon will examine your hip and review your health situation in determining if hip replacement is recommended. Here are other things to know:

The procedure

What is the recovery like?

Each patient’s recovery is different and depends on several factors, including hip anatomy, treatment needs, and medical history. Typically, patients can return to most light activities of daily living 3-6 weeks after surgery.1

One of the most important parts of recovery is following the instructions of your medical team. This means adhering to guidelines for movement and physical therapy, and letting your team know if you experience any problems.

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What are the risks involved?

All surgery has risks and the potential for complications. Talk to your surgeon about any concerns you may have before you decide on treatment. Some of the possible risks and complications for hip replacement include:

  • Blood clotting
    Blood clotting problems – such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism (PE) – may occur after surgery and interrupt normal blood flow. Your medical team may recommend medications and exercises to reduce the risk.


  • Infection
    Infection may occur at the surgical site or elsewhere in the body. If a serious infection occurs, additional surgery or removal of the implant may be needed.


  • Pneumonia
    After surgery, pneumonia or other breathing problems may develop. Your medical team may recommend measures to reduce the risk.


  • Nerve problems
    Though uncommon, nerves or blood vessels in the hip area may be damaged during surgery.


  • Fracture
    It is possible for the upper part of the femur (thigh bone) to break after the stem is inserted. This may be caused by putting too much weight on the joint too quickly, or by small movements of the stem that can weaken the bone over time.


  • Hip dislocation
    Hip dislocation may happen after surgery. The new ball and socket components are smaller than your natural hip, so the ball may pop out of the socket if the hip moves in certain positions. Your medical team will give you tips for avoiding this issue.


  • Implant wear or failure
    The hip implant may become worn, loose, or damaged. It may not perform as expected. In some cases, another surgery may be needed to correct or replace the implant.


This is not a complete list of complications. Talk to your surgeon about the possible risks for your specific health situation.

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Disclaimers

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only and is not meant as medical advice. Not everyone is a candidate for total hip replacement and individual results of joint replacement will vary. Implants are intended to relieve hip pain and improve function but may not produce the same feel or function as your original hip. Every patient's case is unique, and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Potential risks include loosening, wear, and infection that may result in the need for additional surgery. Discuss your implant options with your surgeon. Please discuss nutrition, medication, and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help. 39906 6/2023

Citations

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon website. Accessed May 24, 2023.https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/total-hip-replacement

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