Is Hip Arthroplasty the Same as a Hip Replacement?

It’s not always easy to make sense of today’s medical terminology. For example, the phrase “hip arthroplasty” can sound confusing if you’ve never heard it before. In reality, “hip arthroplasty” is another term for a hip replacement.

If a medical professional recommends hip arthroplasty, you can discuss what kind of hip replacement treatment might best suit your needs. Our team can break down the means available to you and ensure that you receive the medical attention that most effectively helps you reduce your pain and regain some mobility.

Understanding Hip Arthroplasty

When medical professionals treat and replace a damaged hip joint, you can expect them to:

• Make incisions next to your damaged hip
• Remove any damaged or diseased bone or cartilage
• Secure a replacement hip joint into your cleared socket
• Connect your thigh bone to the replacement hip joint
• Use stitches to seal your incision and prevent infections

When to Request Hip Arthroplasty

Hip arthroplasty helps you go about your day-to-day responsibilities without having to contend with debilitating pain. You should consider pursuing hip arthroplasty if you’re dealing with:

• Hip pain while resting or engaging in gentle activity
• Hip pain that disrupts your ability to perform daily tasks
• Ineffective pain medications
• Known hip trauma
• Decrease leg and hip mobility
• Severe arthritis

You can request a medical professional’s opinion on the extent of your hip pain during an initial medical consultation.

Preparing for a Hip Replacement

In the days before your hip replacement surgery, you can take steps to make your recovery all the more straightforward. Some of these steps may make the process of going into your surgery more bearable. For example, arranging for a loved one to drop you off and pick you up from the hospital limits the stress of discharge when the time comes.

You should also consider:

• Rearranging your home to accommodate your post-surgery limitations
• Purchasing groceries or other essential home goods
• Informing your supervisors and loved ones of your upcoming limitations
• Bring home all essential entertainment you may need throughout your recovery
• Look into the physical therapy exercises that may help your recovery

Trying to manage your own physical therapy is never a good idea. In meeting with the physical therapists who may guide you through your recovery, however, you can experiment with exercises you think will be most comfortable.

Hip Replacement Aftercare

It would be best if you designated at least a month to recover from your hip arthroplasty. This process may be painful as you relearn how to move with your new hip. You should also prepare to experiment with positioning your new hip if you want to avoid prolonged discomfort.

Remember that hip replacement surgeries do not always alleviate all of the pain in your hip. You may still use mobility aids to maneuver from one place to another after your treatment, particularly in the days immediately following your recovery.

You can work with medical professionals and physical therapists to determine your recovery needs. As you grow more comfortable with your mobility, we can alter your treatment to better suit your capabilities.

Discuss Your Hip Arthroplasty Needs With Our Team

Hip arthroplasty, or hip replacement surgery, helps you regain mobility and reduce pain as you move. If you want to pursue this manner of treatment, you must consult with a medical professional and discuss your circumstances. Our team can then take the time to consider your losses and develop a treatment plan that best suits your needs.

Have you been considering hip arthroplasty? Let the Orthopedic & Laser Spine Surgery team undertake research into your case. You can schedule an appointment through our contact form or by calling (866) 646-5090.