Total Hip Replacement

Hip arthritis can be a disabling condition, making everyday activities such as walking, sitting, and recreation painful and difficult.

If medications, changes in your everyday activities, and the use of walking supports do not adequately help your symptoms, you may consider hip replacement surgery. Hip replacement surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can relieve your pain, increase motion, and help you get back to enjoying normal, everyday activities.

First performed in 1960, hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful operations in all of medicine. Since 1960, improvements in joint replacement surgical techniques and technology have greatly increased the effectiveness of total hip replacement. More than 300,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the United States.

Description

In a total hip replacement (also called total hip arthroplasty), the damaged bone and cartilage is removed and replaced with prosthetic components.

• The damaged femoral head is removed and replaced with a metal stem that is placed into the hollow center of the femur. The femoral stem may be either cemented or “press fit” into the bone.
• A ceramic ball is placed on the upper part of the stem. This ball replaces the damaged femoral head that was removed.
• The damaged cartilage surface of the socket (acetabulum) is removed and replaced with a metal socket.
• A plastic spacer is inserted between the new ball and the socket to allow for a smooth gliding surface.

(Left) The individual components of a total hip replacement. (Center) The components merged into an implant. (Right) The implant as it fits into the hip.

Minimally invasive anterior hip replacement

Dr. Alosh specializes in minimally invasive anterior hip replacement. 

Traditional hip replacements use an incision typically over one foot in length, with associated soft tissue and muscle disruption. Furthermore, the hip is dislocated, in order to obtain access with traditional techniques. This adds up to soft tissue and muscle disruption that increases pain and delays recovery.  Hip activity precautions are required with traditional approaches preventing patients from performing many simple daily activities, such as sitting, driving, and even getting dressed in a normal manner. 

Dr. Alosh, MD is board-certified and fellowship-trained in minimally invasive joint reconstruction.  He specializes in minimally invasive anterior hip replacement and has extensive experience in the most contemporary techniques.  This incision is smaller, the major muscles are preserved and not violated, and there are no hip precautions. Regardless of where you are considering hip replacement, we strongly advise that you obtain a consultation with a board certified, fellowship-trained MD with advanced training in adult reconstruction.  No one’s hip deserves mediocre surgery.