Hip Replacement Specialist

When might I need a hip replacement?

You may need a hip replacement if you have a problem with your hip that isn't treatable using less invasive means.

For many patients with hip pain, conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medication, and joint injections effectively control pain and improve mobility.

However, there may come a time when these therapies no longer work as well, or you might have such severe damage to your hip joint that surgery is the only option. If so, a hip replacement offers long-term restoration of function and relieves your pain.

What conditions may require hip replacement surgery?

The condition that most commonly leads to hip replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, the most widespread form of arthritis. It develops after years of joint wear that results in a loss of protective articular cartilage on the ends of your bones.

Arthritis causes chronic joint pain for which there's no cure. Conservative therapies may work well for long periods, but if your joints are causing constant pain and you're finding it hard to get around, hip replacement surgery could resolve your symptoms.

Less common conditions that might require hip replacement include osteonecrosis where the bone dies, rheumatoid arthritis, and acute trauma – for example, a car accident or a bad fall in which your hip joint is fractured.

What does hip replacement surgery involve?

The hip consists of two bones: the femoral head, which is the ball-shaped top of your femur (thighbone), and the acetabulum, a socket in your pelvis into which the femoral head fits. Hip replacement involves removing the damaged parts of your joint and replacing them with artificial components.

During hip replacement surgery, Dr. Bright removes your hip ball and places a rod (with a new ball on top) inside the thighbone. Your socket is resurfaced using a metal socket with a plastic liner. 

When your surgery is finished, the team has you up and walking around the same day. With this minimally invasive technique, many patients can even return home the same day as their surgery. Within two weeks of surgery, most patients have less pain than they had before the procedure.

To perform your hip replacement surgery, Dr. Bright may use cutting edge Mako® robot-assisted technology. The Mako robot has two key functions. First, it aids with presurgical planning using 3D images of your hip joint. Second, it enables Dr. Bright to carry out the operation with the utmost accuracy.

If chronic hip pain is becoming too challenging, discuss your suitability for hip replacement surgery with Dr. Bright. Call Schofield, Hand and Bright Orthopaedics today or book an appointment online.