© 2024 Robert Burnett, MD. Site by Hunt's Design Lab
Total hip replacement, also known as hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that we perform when the hip joint has become severely damaged or worn out, often due to conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or hip fracture. The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, where the top of your thigh bone (the femur) fits into the socket of your pelvis. Over time, the cartilage that cushions the joint can wear away, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
In a total hip replacement, we remove the damaged parts of the joint—the femoral head (the ball) and the acetabulum (the socket)—and replace them with artificial components made from metal, ceramic, and/or plastic. These new parts are designed to mimic the function of a healthy hip joint, allowing for smoother movement and pain relief.
The surgery itself typically takes about 1-2 hours, and it's done under general anesthesia or a regional block, which numbs the lower half of your body. After the damaged bone and cartilage are removed, the artificial components are carefully fitted into place. The femoral component is attached to the top of the thigh bone, and the socket is replaced with a new liner that helps the ball move smoothly inside it.The goal of the procedure is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and allow you to return to normal daily activities, like walking and climbing stairs, without the discomfort you were experiencing before.
Recovery involves physical therapy to help you regain strength and mobility. You’ll likely be able to walk with the help of a walker or crutches within a day after surgery, and we’ll work together to make sure you’re recovering as expected. Full recovery usually takes about 3 to 6 months, although many people notice significant improvement within the first few weeks.
