Hip Replacement Surgery

During hip replacement surgery, your doctor will replace the natural ball of your thighbone with a metal one, which attaches to a metal stem placed in your thighbone. The ball is replaced by a metal or ceramic ball that is solidly fixed to a stem inserted into the femur. The socket is replaced with a metal cup, which is fixed to the acetabulum, or socket. The implants are designed to create a new, smoothly functioning joint that prevents painful bone-on-bone contact. Your doctor will also replace your hip socket. Though doctors generally need only about two hours to give patients a new hip, the surgery can result in years of active, pain-free living.

Depending on how quickly you heal, you may be hospitalized from three to 10 days. On the day after your surgery, you may even use a walker to take your first steps. Before you’re discharged, ask your doctor when you can put weight on your leg. At home, follow through with the exercises your physical therapist suggests. Expect some days of your recovery to be better than others.

To protect your new hip, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says you’ll need to follow certain precautions. Until your doctor tells you otherwise, sit only in chairs with arms, sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees, avoid stairs if possible and don’t cross your legs. Other precautions are necessary as well. Because the joint material is artificial, it can’t fight off infection. Let your doctor or dentist know you have an artificial joint before they perform even minor procedures or invasive exams.

To find an orthopedic specialist near you, call 866-690-9355 (WELL).

Click here to read our Patient’s Guide to Joint Replacement Surgery.