What Makes a Hip

A hip consists of a ball-and-socket joint, formed by the upper end of the femur (or thigh bone), the ball and part of the pelvis called the acetabulum (or socket). The bone ends of a joint are covered with a smooth layer of cartilage, and each joint is enclosed by a fibrous tissue capsule with a smooth tissue lining called the synovium. This produces fluid that reduces a joint's friction and wear.

What makes a total hip replacement necessary?

A hip replacement is needed when a hip has extensive arthritis or has been damaged to the point that it is too stiff or painful for a person to use. At this point, the muscles around the hip weaken from lack of use, making it even more difficult to use that joint. Whether or not a patient needs a total hip replacement will be decided by a thorough physicial examination, possibly some laboratory tests and x-rays, which will show the extent of the damage. A total replacement will be recommended only if other treatment options will not relieve the pain or disability.

How is the total hip replacement performed?

Following the administration of an anesthetic, Dr. Davis will replace the damaged ball with a metal ball attached to a metal stem that is fitted into the femur. Then, a plastic socket is implanted into the pelvis to replace the damaged socket. The metals used include stainless steel, titanium, cobalt alloy and chrome alloy. The plastic is durable, wear-resistant polyethylene. In some cases, a plastic bone cement may be used to anchor the brosthesis into the bone.

What is the recovery process?

Dr. Davis will encourage you to use your "new" joint shortly after your operation. Usually, you'll begin standing and walking the day after surgery, using a walker, crutches or a cane.

Most patients have some temporary pain the the replaced joint due to the weakness of the surrounding muscles that were inactive and from the tissues that need to heal. This pain should go away in a few weeks or months. Exercise is important and Dr. Davis will discuss an exercise program for you to follow after surgery.

Eventually, you may be allowed to play golf, walk or even dance, but more strenuous sports such as tennis or running may be discouraged. The motion of your new joint will generally improve after surgery, but the extent of improvement will depend on how stiff your joint was prior to the operation.