Hip Replacement Surgery

Whether it's from severe arthritis or a serious injury, hip pain can prevent you from sitting comfortably, walking around, or even getting a good night's sleep. When non-surgical solutions no longer provide relief, the hip replacement surgeons at Virtua Reconstructive Orthopedics will discuss hip replacement surgery options to reduce pain and improve your quality of life.

Am I a Candidate for Hip Replacement Surgery?

In some cases, hip pain can be treated with physical therapy and pain management. But hip replacement surgery could be an option if you're experiencing:

• Persistent hip pain that gets in the way of everyday activities and hasn't responded to nonsurgical treatment
• Hip pain that gets worse with walking, even with the help of a cane, walker, or another balancing device
• Hip pain that prevents you from sleeping, walking up and down stairs, or getting up from a seated position
• You’ve been diagnosed with severe arthritis, joint gap narrowing, or bone-on-bone arthritis

At Virtua, your hip replacement specialist will work with you to develop the best treatment plan to address your hip pain.

Types of Hip Replacement Surgeries

During a hip replacement, our specialists remove the damaged ball-and-socket and replace it with durable, artificial components. This will help restore mobility and help you move freely without hip pain. Here are the types of hip replacement surgeries we perform:

• Total hip replacement: Generally reserved for when you have damage throughout your joint (typically caused by arthritis), this procedure removes both sides of the damaged joint and replaces them with artificial components. These components are sized and aligned to restore the natural movement of your hip without pain or dysfunction.
• Partial hip replacement: When joint damage is contained to just one part of the hip, this procedure replaces just the damaged portion of the joint. This allows you to retain the healthy portion of your hip and generally features a faster recovery time.
• Anterior hip replacement: Perfect for individuals who live active lifestyles, this minimally invasive procedure avoids cutting through tissue and muscle while still replacing the entire joint. By avoiding certain tissue and muscle during this procedure, you’ll typically experience a faster, less painful recovery.
• Robotic-assisted hip replacement: This is a surgical procedure that uses robotic technology to enhance precision in implant placement. It improves accuracy, reduces tissue damage, and enhances patient outcomes by customizing the procedure to individual anatomy, leading to faster recovery and better long-term joint function.
• Revision hip replacement: Sometimes referred to as a "repeat hip replacement," our surgeons replace existing artificial joints that have become damaged, worn out, or ineffective. While this procedure is fairly uncommon, it’s used to replace older artificial components that have degraded or deformed over time.

Our Approach to Hip Replacement Surgery

We've come a long way since the very first hip replacement was performed back in 1938. Today, it's one of the most common orthopedic procedures we provide.

Technological advancements like augmented reality and minimally invasive surgical procedures, paired with more accurate artificial components, empower us to install implants that last longer, perform better, and help you feel like yourself again.

Here's how we approach hip replacement surgeries at Virtua Health:

• Support throughout the process: Because we know that surgery can be intimidating, our goal is to ease any concerns or worries you may have. Whether you're connecting with our nurse navigators or experienced surgeons, we create a supportive environment that answers every question and walks you through the entire process.
• Custom designed for you: The shape and size of your hip is unique. That's why we use hip joints customized and perfectly aligned to fit your body. The result is a new hip that offers optimal mobility.
• Partner for life: At Virtua Orthopedics & Spine, we're here to be your trusted partner in health. After surgery, our physical therapists will develop exercises and activities to strengthen your hip and restore mobility.
• Same-day surgery: In some cases, you may be eligible for an outpatient procedure. This means you can return home a few hours after your surgery and begin your recovery from the comfort of your home.

Benefits of Hip Replacement Surgery 

If you’ve been considering hip replacement surgery, know that you’re in good hands. Virtua Reconstructive Orthopedics patients experience many benefits post-surgery, including the following:

• Nearly all patients experience complete relief from arthritis
• Improved quality of life, regaining the ability to do the things you love
• The ability to get around easier and live an active lifestyle
• Faster recovery times so you can return to daily activities

The precision of robotic-assisted hip replacement surgery also has many unique benefits, including:

• Smaller incisions:  Smaller incisions may result in less scarring, reduced blood loss, and a lower risk of infection or other complications. 
• Reduced pain:  The procedure may reduce pain and discomfort during recovery. 
• Faster recovery:  With all of the above benefits, you may be able to spend less time in the hospital and get back to your normal activities sooner. 

What to Expect with Hip Replacement Surgery

Your hip replacement experience can vary depending on your individual needs and conditions. Nevertheless, our team will prepare you for every aspect of your surgery, including prep and recovery. Here's what you can expect from your hip replacement surgery:

• Prepped and ready: During your surgical consultation, we'll discuss every detail of your surgery. We'll also offer recovery tips like setting up a space on the first floor of your home where you can recover comfortably and avoid steps for a few days.
• Surgery details: The day before your surgery, we'll call you and let you know what time you're scheduled to come in. Most hip replacements take about three hours to complete. From there, you'll move to a recovery room to rest.
• The road to recovery: You can expect to move around and begin light physical therapy as soon as possible. You'll likely recover in the hospital for about two to three days after surgery. In some cases, you may be able to return home a few hours after surgery.
• Physical therapy: Full recovery from a hip replacement varies from person to person. Our physical therapists will provide a regimen of at-home exercises that can build strength and restore mobility. We may also recommend a period of in-person physical therapy, if necessary.  Most people return to normal activity around 10-12 weeks after surgery, with some people returning as early as 6-8 weeks after the surgery. Improvements typically continue during the first year after surgery.