Total Hip Arthroplasty

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), also known as total hip replacement, consists of resection of the diseased articular surfaces of the hip, followed by replacement with prosthetic hip components. For the properly selected patient, the procedure results in significant pain relief, as well as improved function and quality of life. In spite of the potential benefits of THA, it is typically an elective procedure and should only be considered after a thorough discussion of the risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Instructions

Total Hip Arthroplasty Procedure

All total hip arthroplasties (THAs) consist of a femoral component, an acetabular component, and a bearing surface. Most systems are modular with a separate femoral stem, femoral head, acetabular liner, and acetabular shell. This modularity gives the operating surgeon tremendous flexibility in dealing with any intraoperative situation or anatomic variation. There are a number of femoral and acetabular implants available for use in THA. The choices reflect different philosophies regarding the type of fixation, design features, and materials.

FAQ

How long does total hip arthroplasty surgery take?

Total hip replacement surgery takes about one and a half hours. Most patients also stay in the hospital for one or two days after the procedure.

How long does it take to walk normally after hip surgery?

Most hip replacement patients are able to walk within the same day or next day of surgery; most can resume normal routine activities within the first 3 to 6 weeks of their total hip replacement recovery. Once light activity becomes possible, it's important to incorporate healthy exercise into your recovery program.

How long is the scar for a hip replacement?

You will have a single scar in the region of your hip and this will measure anywhere between 8 and 20 cms (3 and 8 inches). The length of scar is dependent in part on obesity and musculature.