Orthopedic surgeons use hip surgery as a final solution for patients with severe hip pain. Hip arthritis patients are the most common hip surgery patients. Once the ball and socket joint in the hip area becomes damaged beyond natural repair, pain becomes unbearable and mobility and function are threatened. There are hip surgeries designed to improve function and restore mobility in patients with an arthritic hip.
If you have hip arthritis, it is advised that you have an orthopedic surgeon evaluate your condition to find out what your treatment options are. Two surgeries that orthopedic surgeons often perform are hip resurfacing and hip replacement. Let’s talk about what is involved in both procedures and why they are recommended.
Hip Resurfacing
Surgery to resurface the hip involves the removal of the damaged cartilage from the femoral head and reshaping it to fit smooth metal over it. The damaged lining of the socket is also removed and replaced with a metal covering. Therefore, a metal ball moves within a metal socket. With this procedure, bone is preserved and you are allowed to keep your natural hip biomechanics. Hip resurfacing is typically recommended for younger patients – in their 30s, 40s, or 50s – with a more active lifestyle.
Hip Replacement
A hip replacement involves the removal of the ball and socket joint and replacing it with a prosthesis. The orthopedic surgeon may use a traditional or minimally invasive approach, and the latter requires one or two very small incisions to perform the surgery.
During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged parts of the hip, as well as connective tissue, and replaces it with an artificial joint usually constructed of highly-durable metal and plastic. There are different materials used in prosthetics and you should discuss what is most appropriate for you with your doctor.
Hip resurfacing and hip replacement are most often inpatient surgeries that require a hospital stay. Some patients may be good candidates for outpatient hip replacement. Surgery involves the use of general anesthesia, which means you will be unconscious throughout the procedure, although anesthesia used for a minimally invasive hip replacement may be spinal anesthesia, which numbs you from the waist down.
If you have any concerns, discuss them with your orthopedic doctor. There are risks associated with surgery, even when using a minimally invasive approach. For hip surgery, make sure to choose only a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with experience and expertise.
Hip Surgery in Hartford County, CT & Springfield, MA
Our orthopedic surgeons at Advanced Orthopedics New England are board-certified and highly experienced in performing surgery on the hip, be it hip resurfacing or hip replacement. We will evaluate your condition and let you know what treatment is most appropriate for you.
Our goal is to get you back to the life you love and provide compassionate patient-centric care. To schedule a hip surgery consultation, call our office today at (860) 728-6740. We look forward to serving you in any of our locations in Bloomfield, Rocky Hill, and Springfield.
