Hip replacement (total hip arthroplasty) is surgery to replace a worn out or damaged hip joint. The surgeon replaces the old joint with an artificial joint (prosthesis). This surgery may be a choice after a hip fracture or for severe pain because of arthritis.
Hip replacement surgery is a treatment for pain and disability in the hip. Osteoarthritis is the most common reason for hip replacement surgery.
Osteoarthritis causes loss of joint cartilage in the hip. Damage to the cartilage and bones limits movement and may cause pain. People with severe pain from degenerative joint disease may not be able to do normal activities that involve bending at the hip. These activities include walking and sitting.
Other forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis and arthritis resulting from a hip injury can also damage the hip joint. So can avascular necrosis, which is a loss of blood supply to the head of the femur. Childhood hip diseases can also cause arthritis as an adult.
Hip replacement may also be used to treat certain hip fractures. A fracture is an injury, often from a fall. Pain from a fracture is severe, such that walking or even moving the leg causes pain.
The minimally invasive hip replacement procedures available at Inova offer multiple benefits. Not only is the procedure as effective as traditional hip surgery, but patients often experience less discomfort and a shorter recovery time.
Traditional hip replacement surgery requires a 10- to 12-inch incision. Minimally invasive hip replacement requires only a 3- to 6-inch incision.
Traditional hip replacement surgery requires a lengthy recovery and limitations on weight bearing. With minimally invasive surgery, patients often put full weight on their leg within 24 hours.
Your surgeon will discuss with you the appropriateness of minimally invasive surgery for your hip replacement.
Inova Fair Oaks Hospital and Inova Loudoun Hospital are among only a select few hospitals in the region offering MAKOplasty® robotic-assisted partial and total hip and knee replacements.
The MAKOplasty® robotic technology improves accuracy, allows the surgeon to make adjustments for muscular and soft tissue alignment, and yields better outcomes for patients undergoing partial or total hip and knee replacements. This technology is typically used on patients living with osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.
Hip replacement services are part of Inova's Musculoskeletal services program, which includes the full range of care in orthopedics, sports medicine, physical therapy (PT) and rehabilitation.
