Hip Replacement
Total Hip Replacement (also called total hip arthroplasty)
Replacing the worn hip joint with an implant to relieve arthritis pain and restore motion.
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What it is
In a total hip replacement, the damaged ball-and-socket hip joint is replaced with an implant. The worn ball at the top of the thigh bone (femur) is removed and replaced with a metal or ceramic ball on a stem, and the socket is fitted with a metal shell and a durable plastic or ceramic liner. It is most often done for hip arthritis, and also for certain hip fractures and for bone that has lost its blood supply (avascular necrosis).
Common symptoms
- Groin or buttock pain with walking, standing, or rising from a chair
- Stiffness — difficulty putting on shoes and socks or getting in and out of a car
- A limp, or pain that radiates into the thigh or knee
- Night pain, and pain no longer controlled by medication, therapy, or a cane
Non-surgical options
- Weight management and activity modification
- Physical therapy and a walking aid such as a cane
- Anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate
- A corticosteroid injection into the hip, usually image-guided
The procedure
The operation is done under spinal or general anesthesia. Through an incision over the hip — Dr. Stachler uses minimally invasive approaches when appropriate — the arthritic ball is removed, the socket is prepared and fitted with a shell and liner, and a stem and ball are placed in the femur. Many patients walk the same day and go home within 24 hours; some go home the same day.
Recovery timeline
- First 1–2 weeksWalking with a walker or crutches, bearing weight as allowed. Home exercises, incision care, and blood-clot prevention with medication and staying mobile.
- Weeks 2–6Progress to a cane, then to walking unaided as strength and balance return. Most daily activities resume. Driving once off opioid medication and in control of the leg.
- Weeks 6–12Near-normal walking. Return to low-impact activity such as walking, cycling, swimming, and golf.
- Months 3–12Continued strengthening. Lasting pain relief is expected; running and jumping sports are generally discouraged to preserve the implant.
The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual cases vary. Always consult a qualified clinician about your condition. In an emergency call 911.