Hip Replacement Specialist

When should I consider a hip replacement?

Hip replacement surgery might be necessary if you suffer a particularly nasty fracture of the joint or have a condition called osteonecrosis, where limited blood supply damages the hip bone surfaces. 

However, by far the most common reason for needing a hip replacement is advanced arthritis. There are various types of arthritis — diseases that cause joint pain, stiffness, and weakness, and worsen over time. 

Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder that damages your joint linings, is one type you can get in your hip. However, for most people, osteoarthritis is the cause of their hip problems.

Osteoarthritis affects many of your joints as you get older, and the cartilage protecting your bones wears away. 

Treating osteoarthritis from the earliest stages helps delay the progress of the disease, and Dr. Landsberg offers comprehensive care for arthritis, including medication, physical therapy, and joint injections.

If your arthritis worsens to the point where these treatments aren’t helping, hip replacement is well worth considering.

What does hip replacement surgery involve?

Your hip replacement surgery may involve removing one or both of the bone ends that form your hip joint. One of these bones is a socket called the acetabulum in your pelvis. The other is a round bone at the top of your thigh (the femoral head) that fits into the acetabulum.

Dr. Landsberg removes the damaged portions of bone and shapes the healthy ends ready to receive the artificial components.

The ball-shaped femoral head implant has a metal stem that fits inside your bone and anchors it in place. In the socket, Dr. Landsberg fits a shell and then a liner that replaces the cartilage and helps keep the joint stable.

There are two ways to fix the components in place. One is to use a special bone cement that glues the implant into position. Another is to press-fit the component and allow new tissues to grow that seal it in place.

How long does it take to recover from hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement is a major procedure, so it can take a while to make a full recovery. Most patients find they’re able to perform everyday tasks after 3-6 weeks. You can assist with your recovery by sticking with the rehabilitation program Dr. Landsberg prescribes for you.

To find out whether hip replacement is right for you, call Landsberg Orthopaedics today or book an appointment online.