FAQs: Hip Replacement
- What is hip replacement?
- Who should have a hip replacement?
- Is there an alternative to hip replacement?
- Should my hip replacement be cemented?
- What is the mini-incision hip replacement?
- How long is the hospital stay?
- How long is recuperation?
- Will I need a blood transfusion?
- What is the success rate?
- Are there complications?
- What about pain?
- What is the cost?
- Can I talk to someone who has had a hip replacement?
- How can I schedule an evaluation?
What is hip replacement?
A hip replacement replaces cartilage that has worn away over the years. Hip replacement can eliminate pain and allow you to move easily with less discomfort. The prosthesis can be metal on cross-poly plastic, metal-on-metal, ceramic on ceramic or ceramic on plastic.
Who should have a hip replacement?
When hip pain severely limits your ability to walk, work, or perform even simple activities, hip replacement should be considered.
Is there an alternative to hip replacement?
Hip replacement is only recommended after careful diagnosis of your joint problem. It is best to exhaust all conservative measures before you consider hip replacement. This includes anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone injections and physical therapy.
Should my hip replacement be cemented?
Hip replacements are successfully performed with all cemented components as well as with a combination of uncemented and cemented components or non-cemented. 99.9% of all hip replacements at our facility are non-cemented. Your surgeon will discuss which technique is best for you.
What is the mini-incision hip replacement?
Instead of a 12 to 16 inch incision, our surgeons are now able to perform a hip replacement with a 3 ½ inch to 5 inch incision. The smaller incision reduces the amount of pain a patient has after surgery and allows a patient to be up and walking further, faster. It is the very same surgery as a 12 inch incision, but the surgical instrumentation is narrower.
How long is the hospital stay?
The average hospital stay for a hip replacement patient is around 3-4 days. You must be able to walk 400 feet, go up and down as many stairs at the hospital as you have at home and get in and out of bed by yourself to be discharged from the hospital. Most of our patients go directly home, even if they live by themselves.
How long is recuperation?
Recovery varies with each person. You will use a walker for approximately 1-2 days after the operation. You will quickly progress to crutches, a single crutch and then a cane. You can drive a car in 2-4 weeks. Most people gradually increase their activities and play golf, doubles tennis, go bike riding, hiking, swimming and dancing, within 12 weeks after surgery.
After discharge, there is usually no need for a nursing home. Some older patients who live alone may require a short stay at a Skilled Nursing Facility.
Will I need a blood transfusion?
The need for blood transfusions after hip replacement surgery depends greatly on individualized factors. The majority of hip replacement patients do not require a transfusion after surgery. Some patients may want to donate their own blood prior to surgery for use after surgery. Your surgeon will be happy to discuss these issues with you.
What is the success rate?
Hip replacement surgery is recognized as a miracle of modern surgery. Most orthopedic experts consider hip replacement to be the best method of handling arthritis in the hip. Hip replacements have literally put hundreds of thousands of people back on their feet and allowed them to enjoy their lives. The success rate, elimination of pain and return to function, is very high for total hip replacement—98 to 99%.
Are there complications?
As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications after hip replacement surgery. However, they are quite rare … driving on an Interstate highway is probably more dangerous. To reduce the risk of infection, we take special precautionary measures in the operating room, and use powerful antibiotics before and after surgery. We also give you a special antibiotic scrubber for your home shower before surgery. To keep you from getting blood clots, we place special anti-embolus stockings on your legs and a special machine to help reduce the risk of blood clots. More importantly, we get you up out of bed as soon as possible. Dislocation is rare as we use larger heads for surgery. Our personnel are limited to fully trained and experienced nurses and therapists.
What about pain?
Thanks to advances in medication technology, we are able to keep you very comfortable after surgery. After surgery, any temporary discomfort does not compare to the pain endured by most people in the months and years before surgery.
And because hip replacement patients are not “sick,” you will not be treated as such. You will wear casual clothing after surgery, not hospital gowns. You’ll also join other joint replacement patients for group lunches and group physical therapy.
What is the cost?
The hospital also accepts Medicare assignment and most insurances. Please call the Total Joint Center at 415-353-6380 to learn about insurance the surgeons and hospital accept. Learn more about Insurance & Costs.
Can I talk to someone who has had a hip replacement?
Yes! We'll gladly give you the names and telephone numbers of some of our patients who have new hips. They have volunteered to talk on the phone with people who are considering surgery and are happy to share their experiences with you. Just call our office and we will be pleased to put you in touch with other people who have gone through our Total Joint program.
How can I schedule an evaluation?
Request an appointment online or by calling 415-353-6380. The Center accepts Medicare assignment and bills Medicare and secondary insurance. The Center also participates in most managed care plans as well as other insurances. Appointments for Workers' Compensation patients are authorized and scheduled through adjusters for the compensation insurance companies.
