As you age, you may start having issues with pain and limited range of motion in your hip. This pain can be debilitating, and you might not be able to participate in activities such as walking, running, standing, bathing, or dressing.
To determine what is causing the pain, your orthopedic surgeon will order diagnostic testing such as X-rays or an MRI. Once your results are completed, your orthopedic surgeon will discuss your options for treatment.
But sometimes, when conservative treatment isn’t enough to relieve your pain, a hip replacement might be the only option of treatment for you.
What does a Hip Replacement Surgery Encompass?
Your hip joint is called a ball and socket joint. The top of your thigh bone (femur) has a protrusion of the bone-shaped like a ball. This ball fits into a concave depression in your pelvis called the socket. When you have your hip replacement surgery, the orthopedic surgeon removes the diseased part of the bone and replaces it with a prosthesis.
Your hip replacement surgery (called a hip arthroscopy) also uses a concave prosthesis that fits into the socket in the pelvis. Then, your orthopedic surgeon cements the prostheses into place.
You will be hospitalized for one to five days depending on your ability to recover. After your surgery, a physical therapist will assist you out of bed on the same day.
You will have some limitations of movement after surgery because the hip joint is a significant weight-bearing joint. Your orthopedic surgeon recommends these limitations so your hip can and settle into place.
How Long is the Recovery Period?
The recovery period is four to six weeks after the surgery. During this time, you will be using a walker until you are strong enough to walk on your own. You will be attending physical therapy to return your new hip to full functioning.
You will be participating in exercises recommended by your orthopedic surgeon. Some restrictions of movement after the surgery are:
- Avoid bending forward at the hip, creating an angle of fewer than 90 degrees.
- Don’t cross your legs at the knee.
- Avoid movements that place your hips lower than your knees, like squatting.
- Avoid laying on the surgical site, and always place a pillow between your knees.
- Get assistance with your shoes and socks. Don’t bend forward to tie your shoes.
- Don’t reach down to pull up the blankets while you are lying down.
- Avoid high and low-impact sports for 4 to 6 weeks.
After your orthopedic surgeon determines that your hip joint is healed, you may be able to add some of these movements back into your regimen. Again, follow your orthopedic surgeon’s directions.
Hip Replacement Surgery in Westlake and Avon, OH
Orthopedic Associates has 13 board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons to assist with all your orthopedic issues. We have been serving the Cleveland area for over 50 years. The orthopedic surgeons at Orthopedic Associates have state-of-the-art technology to provide the highest level of care.
Call Orthopedic Associates at (440) 892-1440 to schedule your consultation and evaluation or use our convenient online request form. Let Orthopedic Associates help you become pain-free.