Orthopedic Resources

Dr. Gregory Lauro provides important resources for patients and their families…

Frequently Asked Questions

Knee

What Does The Anatomy Of The Knee Look Like?

Anatomy and function of the knee

What makes up your knee?

The knee joint is the point at which the femur bone of the thigh meets the tibia bone of the lower leg. All the components of the knee - bones, cartilage, synovial membrane, ligaments, tendons and muscles - must work together properly for the knee to move smoothly.

Cartilage is a protective cushioning that keeps the bones from rubbing against one another.

In a healthy knee, a thin, smooth tissue liner called the synovial membrane releases a fluid that lubricates the knee, reducing friction as the bones move.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

What Is Osteoarthritis Of The Knee?

One form of arthritis in the knee joint occurs as a result of degeneration of the cartilage in your knee. Osteoarthritis is commonly referred to as "wear and tear" arthritis or degenerative arthritis, and is the most common cause for total knee replacement surgery. Due to osteoarthritis, the cartilage in the knee breaks down over time and the result is a severely damaged joint surface with bone rubbing on bone. This process may occur as a result of previous trauma to the joint, ligament instability, or abnormal stresses to the joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory process that results in erosion of the articular cartilage and subsequent damage to the knee joint surface.

Listed below are several non-surgical, and surgical options to consider for treatment of the arthritic knee:

Lifestyle Modification

losing weight, avoiding aggravating activities, modifying exercise to low impact activities only
Exercises

specifically prescribed to improve strength and flexibility without exacerbating your pain
Anti-inflammatory Medications

designed to decrease swelling in the joint and provide temporary pain relief
Corticosteroid Injection

powerful anti-inflammatory agent injected directly into the joint
Joint Fluid Therapy

a series of injections directly into your knee, designed to improve lubrication in the joint
Glucosamine/Chondroitin

dietary supplement that may relieve arthritic pain
Bracing

used to provide external stability to the knee joint
Arthroscopic Surgery

minimally invasive procedure to remove debris or repair torn cartilage
Total Knee Replacement Surgery

surgical procedure that replaces all three compartments of the knee.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Of The Knee?

Rheumatoid arthritis of the knee

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis and an autoimmune disease. For reasons no one fully understands, in rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system - which is designed to protect our health by attacking foreign cells such as viruses and bacteria - instead attacks the body's own tissues, specifically the synovium, a thin membrane that lines the joints. As a result of the attack, fluid builds up in the joints, causing pain in the joints and inflammation that's systemic - meaning it can occur throughout the body.

Causes

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. It's possible that a virus or bacteria may trigger the disease in people with a genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis. Many doctors think rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the tissue of the joint's lining is attacked by the body's immune system. It's also possible that rheumatoid arthritis is caused by severe stress. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis occurs most frequently in middle age and is more common among women.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are similar to osteoarthritis and include pain, swelling and the loss of motion. In addition, other symptoms may include loss of appetite, fever, energy loss, anemia, and rheumatoid nodules (lumps of tissue under the skin). People suffering with rheumatoid arthritis commonly have periods of exacerbation or "flare ups" where multiple joints may be painful and stiff.

Treatment

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis may involve medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin and analgesics. Corticosteroids may be prescribed and are effective in decreasing the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Side effects can occur with the use of corticosteroids, and close monitoring by a physician is essential. Researchers have made progress in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and newer prescription drugs are now available. If non-surgical measures fail, you and your surgeon may decide that total knee replacement is the best treatment option to relieve your pain and help you return to an improved functional level.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

Am I A Candidate For Knee Replacement Surgery?

Total knee replacement surgery is considered when all other conservative measures have failed to provide successful intervention, and may be performed for the following reasons:

To relieve pain
To improve joint stability
To improve alignment and correct bone deformity
To maximize quality of life
To optimize activities of daily living

Total knee replacement surgery is a common procedure performed on more than 600,000 people worldwide each year. With recent advancements in surgical technique and implant design, patients have experienced dramatic improvement in knee pain, function, and quality of life. Furthermore, most patients can now expect their implants to last up to a decade or more, allowing for years of active, healthier, pain-free living.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

What Is A New Joint Like?

A new joint, called a prosthesis (praas-THEE-sis), can be made of plastic, metal, or ceramic parts. It may be cemented into place or not cemented, so that your bone will grow into it. Both methods may be combined to keep the new joint in place.

A cemented joint is used more often in older people who do not move around as much and in people with “weak” bones. The cement holds the new joint to the bone. An uncemented joint is often recommended for younger, more active people and those with good bone quality. It may take longer to heal, because it takes longer for bone to grow and attach to it.

New joints generally last at least 10 to 15 years. Therefore, younger patients may need to have the same damaged joint replaced more than once.

What Is The Right Age For Knee Replacement?

When is knee replacement surgery recommended?

What is the right age for total knee surgery?

Your surgeon's recommendation for knee replacement is based mainly on your level of pain and disability; there are no absolute restrictions on age or weight. Most of the people who have knee replacement surgery are between the ages of 50 and 80. The procedure has a high success rate and is considered relatively safe and effective.¹ Women are more likely to undergo the procedure; in 2009, the rate of knee arthroplasty for female patients was 57 percent higher than for males².

How do I know when it's time to consider surgery?

There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend knee replacement surgery.

People who benefit from knee replacement surgery often have:

Knee pain that limits everyday activities, such as walking or bending
Knee pain that continues while resting, either day or night
Stiffness in a knee that limits the ability to move or bend the leg
Inadequate pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, or walking supports

Important safety notes

Individual results of joint replacement vary. Implants are intended to relieve knee pain and improve function, but may not produce the same feel or function as your original knee. There are potential risks with knee replacement surgery such as loosening, wear and infection that may result in the need for additional surgery. Patients should not perform high impact activities such as running and jumping unless their surgeon tells them that the bone has healed and these activities are acceptable. Early device failure, breakage or loosening may occur if a surgeon's limitations on activity level are not followed.

References

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website, accessed March 7, 2017: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00389
HCUP Facts and Figures: Statistics on Hospital-based Care in the United States, 2009. Accessed March 7, 2017: https://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/factsandfigures/2009/TOC_2009.jsp

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

What Kind Of Knee Treatment Can I Expect For An Arthritic Knee?

When is knee replacement surgery recommended?

What is the right age for total knee surgery?

Your surgeon's recommendation for knee replacement is based mainly on your level of pain and disability; there are no absolute restrictions on age or weight. Most of the people who have knee replacement surgery are between the ages of 50 and 80. The procedure has a high success rate and is considered relatively safe and effective.¹ Women are more likely to undergo the procedure; in 2009, the rate of knee arthroplasty for female patients was 57 percent higher than for males².

How do I know when it's time to consider surgery?

There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend knee replacement surgery.

People who benefit from knee replacement surgery often have:

Knee pain that limits everyday activities, such as walking or bending
Knee pain that continues while resting, either day or night
Stiffness in a knee that limits the ability to move or bend the leg
Inadequate pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, or walking supports

Important safety notes

Individual results of joint replacement vary. Implants are intended to relieve knee pain and improve function, but may not produce the same feel or function as your original knee. There are potential risks with knee replacement surgery such as loosening, wear and infection that may result in the need for additional surgery. Patients should not perform high impact activities such as running and jumping unless their surgeon tells them that the bone has healed and these activities are acceptable. Early device failure, breakage or loosening may occur if a surgeon's limitations on activity level are not followed.

References

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website, accessed March 7, 2017: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00389
HCUP Facts and Figures: Statistics on Hospital-based Care in the United States, 2009. Accessed March 7, 2017: https://www.hcup-us.ahrq.gov/reports/factsandfigures/2009/TOC_2009.jsp

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

How Long Do I Recover From Knee Replacement Surgery?

After your surgery is completed, you will be transported to the recovery room for close observation of your vital signs, circulation, and sensation in your legs and feet. As soon as you awaken and your condition is stabilized, you will be transferred to your room. Below is an example of what you may see when you wake up:

You will find a large dressing applied to your incision in order to maintain cleanliness and absorb any fluid.
There may be a drain placed near your incision in order to record the amount of drainage being lost from the wound.
You may be wearing elastic hose, and/or a compression stocking sleeve designed to minimize the risks of blood clots.
Your doctor may prescribe a PCA (patient-controlled analgesia) that is connected to your IV. The unit is set to deliver a small, controlled flow of pain medication and is enacted when you firmly press the button on your machine. Press the button anytime you are having pain.
You may have a catheter inserted into your bladder as the side effects of anesthesia often make it difficult to urinate.
A continuous passive motion (CPM) unit may be placed on your leg to slowly and gently bend and straighten your knee. This device is important for quickly regaining your knee range of motion.
When your leg is not in the CPM, you may be wearing a knee immobilizer to protect your knee when you stand up.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

In order for you to meet the goals of knee replacement surgery, you must take ownership of the rehab process and work diligently on your own, as well as with your physical therapist, to achieve optimal clinical and functional results. The rehabilitation process following total knee replacement surgery can be quite painful at times. However, if you commit to following your program and overcome the challenges in rehab, you will succeed in meeting the goals you set when deciding on surgery. The following outline will summarize the process you will adhere to during rehabilitation:

In the Hospital

CPM (continuous passive motion) beginning day one or two
Ambulation with a walker or crutches (weight-bearing status determined by your surgeon)
Range of motion exercises
Edema control (ice, compression, elevation)
Instruction in home exercise program
Discharge goals are as follows:

Independent getting in and out of bed
Independent in walking with walker or crutches
Independent in walking up and down 3 steps
Independent in your home exercise program
Ability to bend your knee 90 degrees
Ability to fully straighten your knee

At Home

Begin ambulation with a cane as tolerated.
Continue CPM (if necessary) and range-of-motion exercises.
Keep incision clean and dry; watch closely for signs of infection.
Continue home exercise program.

Outpatient Physical Therapy

Advanced strengthening program, adding weights as tolerated
Stationary cycling
Walking program
Aquatic therapy program

Long-term Rehabilitation Goals

Range of motion from 100-120 degrees of knee flexion
Mild or no pain with walking or other low-impact physical activities
Independent with all activities of daily living

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

(Consult your therapist regarding the number of reps)

Leg Lifts
Raise leg six inches above the mat, keeping knee straight.

Knee Extension
Place a pillow under your knee. Lift your foot off the mat.

Ankle Pumps
Flex ankle up and down.

Quadriceps Sets
Tighten thigh muscles and hold contraction for five seconds.

Heel Slides
Flex your hip and knee. Return knee to the straight position.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

What Can Happen To My Joints?

Joints can be damaged by arthritis and other diseases, injuries, or other causes. Arthritis or simply years of use may cause the joint to wear away. This can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. Diseases and damage inside a joint can limit blood flow, causing problems in the bones, which needs blood to be healthy, grow, and repair themselves.

Do Many People Have Joint Replacement?

Joint replacement is becoming more common. More than 1 million Americans have a hip or knee replaced each year. Research has shown that even if you are older, joint replacement can help you move around and feel better.

Any surgery has risks. Risks of joint surgery will depend on your health of your joints before surgery and the type of surgery done. Many hospitals and doctors have been replacing joints for several decades, and this experience results in better patient outcomes. For answers to their questions, some people talk with their doctor or someone who has had the surgery. A doctor specializing in joints will probably work with you before, during, and after surgery to make sure you heal quickly and recover successfully.

Hip

What Does The Hip Anatomy Look Like?

Anatomy and function of the hip

The hip, a ball-and-socket joint, is the largest weight-bearing joint in the body. When the joint is healthy, the head of the femur (thighbone) forms a round ball that fits into the acetabulum, a cavity at the base of the pelvis that forms the socket.

Ligaments connect the ball to the socket and keep them both firmly supported. The surfaces of the femoral head and the acetabulum are covered by a smooth, tough material known as articular cartilage, which cushions the bones and allows them to move easily. Around the rim of the acetabulum is a layer of fibrous cartilage called the labrum, which deepens the socket and provides a suction seal to hold the head of the femur firmly in place.

The other surfaces of the hip joint are covered by a thin, smooth tissue liner called the synovial membrane. This tissue produces a small amount of synovial fluid that acts as a lubricant and reduces the amount of friction that occurs when the bones move against each other.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

What Is Osteoarthritis Of The Hip?

Osteoarthritis of the hip

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis of the hip is a condition commonly referred to as "wear and tear" arthritis.

Causes

Osteoarthritis of the hip is a condition commonly referred to as "wear and tear" arthritis. Although the degenerative process may accelerate in persons with a previous hip injury, many cases of osteoarthritis occur when the hip simply wears out. Some experts believe there may be a genetic predisposition in people who develop osteoarthritis of the hip. Abnormalities of the hip due to previous fractures or childhood disorders may also lead to a degenerative hip. Osteoarthritis of the hip is the most common cause for total hip replacement surgery.

Symptoms

The first and most common symptom of osteoarthritis is pain in the hip or groin area during weight bearing activities such as walking. People with hip pain usually compensate by limping, or reducing the force on the arthritic hip. As a result of the cartilage degeneration, the hip loses its flexibility and strength, and may result in the formation of bone spurs. Finally, as the condition worsens, the pain may be present all the time, even during non-weight-bearing activities.

Treatment

Before considering total hip replacement surgery, your doctor and you may try various non-surgical therapies. An appropriate weight reduction program may be beneficial in decreasing force across the hip joint. However, weight reduction can be difficult for people with hip arthritis since the arthritis pain precludes them from increasing their activity and burning calories. An exercise program may be instituted to improve the strength and flexibility of the hip and the other lower extremity joints. Lifestyle and activity modification may be undertaken in an attempt to minimize the activities that are associated with hip pain. Finally, various medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and/or nutritional supplements (Chondroitin/Glucosamine) to reduce pain and inflammation associated with the disease may be considered.

Assistive devices like a cane or a crutch can help to reduce the force transmitted through the hip joint during walking and thereby may help to decrease hip arthritis pain. If non-surgical treatment is unsuccessful, you and your surgeon may decide that a total hip replacement is the best available treatment option.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

What Is Rheumatoid Arthritis Of The Hip?

Rheumatoid arthritis of the hip

Rheumatoid arthritis

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis and an autoimmune disease. For reasons no one fully understands, in rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system - which is designed to protect our health by attacking foreign cells such as viruses and bacteria - instead attacks the body's own tissues, specifically the synovium, a thin membrane that lines the joints. As a result of the attack, fluid builds up in the joints, causing pain in the joints and inflammation that's systemic - meaning it can occur throughout the body.

Causes

The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. It's possible that a virus or bacteria may trigger the disease in people with a genetic predisposition to rheumatoid arthritis. Many doctors think rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the synovial tissue of the joint is attacked by one's own immune system. The onset of rheumatoid arthritis occurs most frequently in middle age and is more common among women.

Symptoms

The primary symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are similar to osteoarthritis and include pain, swelling and the loss of motion. In addition, other symptoms may include loss of appetite, fever, energy loss, anemia, and rheumatoid nodules (lumps of tissue under the skin). People suffering with rheumatoid arthritis commonly have periods of exacerbation or "flare-ups" where multiple joints may be painful and stiff.

Treatment

Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis may involve medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin and analgesics. Corticosteroids may be prescribed and are effective in decreasing the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Side effects can occur with the use of corticosteroids, and close monitoring by a physician is essential. Researchers have made progress in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and newer prescription drugs are now available. If non-surgical measures fail, you and your surgeon may decide that total hip replacement is the best treatment option to relieve your pain and help you return to an improved functional level.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

What Are My Hip Surgery Options?

Know your options

Non-surgical options for hip pain

Hip pain doesn't necessarily mean hip surgery. There are many options for you to discuss with your doctor to alleviate hip pain.

Exercise and weight control - Research shows that exercise is one of the best treatments for osteoarthritis. Exercise may help decrease pain, improve flexibility and maintain weight. A healthy diet can facilitate weight loss resulting in reduced stress on weight-bearing joints and limiting further injury.

Physical therapy - Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy as a course of treatment. It is important for you to work with your physical therapist and learn proper technique of your exercises. These exercises are specifically designed for your condition and may prove effective in building supporting muscles and loosening stiff muscles that cause pain.

Medication - Heat and Cold are non-drug ways that may relieve pain. A warm bath, hot packs or cold packs are simple techniques that may help with pain. Medicines commonly used in treating osteoarthritis include: acetaminophen, NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), topical pain-relieving creams and sprays, narcotic painkillers , corticosteroids, and hyaluronic acid. Many medicines used to treat OA have side effects, so it is important for patients to learn about the medicines they take. Consult your doctor before using medications for pain relief.

Injections - Steroid injections may provide relief from hip pain. Your doctor will advise you on the efficacy of this treatment and monitor how effective this course of treatment is for you.

There are many other options promoted for relief of pain, and while some may be effective, others could be potentially harmful. Always consult your doctor before embarking on any course of care to ensure you will get the maximum benefit for your condition.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

What Is The Right Age For Hip Surgery?

What is the right age for hip surgery?

What is the right age for total hip replacement surgery?

There are no absolute age or weight restrictions for total hip replacements.

Recommendations for surgery are based on a patient's pain and disability, not age. Most patients who undergo total hip replacement are age 50 to 80¹, but orthopaedic surgeons evaluate patients individually. Total hip replacements have been performed successfully at all ages.

References

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon website, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00377

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?

What is hip replacement surgery?

Is total hip replacement surgery for you?

The good news is that if you are considering total hip replacement surgery, you're not alone. According to the hospital billing data, each year more than 340,000 such procedures are performed in the US.¹ Even better news is that the US Department of Health and Human services considers total hip replacement to be one of the most successful and cost effective interventions in medicine.¹ In fact, the success rate for hip replacements 10 years after surgery is 90-95%.¹

Of course, the decision to have hip replacement surgery should be a cooperative one made by you, your family, your primary care doctor, and your orthopaedic surgeon. The process of making this decision typically begins with a referral by your primary care doctor to an orthopaedic surgeon for an initial evaluation.

Important safety notes

Hip replacement surgery is intended to relieve hip pain and improve hip function. However, implants may not produce the same feel or function as your original hip. There are potential risks with hip replacement surgery such as loosening, fracture, dislocation, wear and infection that may result in the need for additional surgery. Longevity of implants depends on many factors, such as types of activities and weight. Do not perform high impact activities such as running and jumping unless your surgeon tells you the bone has healed and these activities are acceptable. Early device failure, breakage or loosening may occur if you do not follow your surgeon's limitations on activity level. Early failure can happen if you do not guard your hip joint from overloading due to activity level, failure to control body weight, or accidents such as falls. Talk to your doctor to determine what treatment may be best for you.

References

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeon website, orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00377

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

When Is Hip Surgery Recommended?

When is hip surgery recommended?

How do I know when it's time to consider surgery?

There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend hip replacement surgery. People who benefit from hip replacement surgery often have:

Hip pain that limits everyday activities, such as walking or bending
Hip pain that continues while resting, either day or night
Stiffness in a hip that limits the ability to move or lift the leg
Inadequate pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, or walking supports.

Important safety notes

Hip replacement surgery is intended to relieve hip pain and improve hip function. However, implants may not produce the same feel or function as your original hip. There are potential risks with hip replacement surgery such as loosening, fracture, dislocation, wear and infection that may result in the need for additional surgery. Longevity of implants depends on many factors, such as types of activities and weight. Do not perform high impact activities such as running and jumping unless your surgeon tells you the bone has healed and these activities are acceptable. Early device failure, breakage or loosening may occur if you do not follow your surgeon's limitations on activity level. Early failure can happen if you do not guard your hip joint from overloading due to activity level, failure to control body weight, or accidents such as falls. Talk to your doctor to determine what treatment may be best for you.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

How Is Hip Surgery Performed?

How is hip surgery performed?

During hip replacement surgery, the surgeon surgically removes the damaged bone and cartilage of the joint and replaces it with smooth, artificial implants - thereby eliminating painful bone-on-bone contact.

Almost all hip replacement implants consist of a four-part system:

A hip stem, usually made from a biocompatible metal such as titanium, which is implanted down the shaft of the thigh bone (femur);
A femoral head which sits on top of the hip stem and replaces the "ball" portion of the hip's "ball and socket" design; and
A two-part hemispherical or "cup-like" component made up of a metal shell and a plastic liner that replaces the "socket" in which the femoral head sits.
Once implanted, the new femoral head rotates inside the plastic liner to recreate the ball and socket movement of the original joint.

Important safety notes

Hip replacement surgery is intended to relieve hip pain and improve hip function. However, implants may not produce the same feel or function as your original hip. There are potential risks with hip replacement surgery such as loosening, fracture, dislocation, wear and infection that may result in the need for additional surgery. Longevity of implants depends on many factors, such as types of activities and weight. Do not perform high impact activities such as running and jumping unless your surgeon tells you the bone has healed and these activities are acceptable. Early device failure, breakage or loosening may occur if you do not follow your surgeon's limitations on activity level. Early failure can happen if you do not guard your hip joint from overloading due to activity level, failure to control body weight, or accidents such as falls. Talk to your doctor to determine what treatment may be best for you.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

What Should I Expect The Day Of My Hip Surgery?

This is a brief overview of the activities that typically occur on your surgery day:

You will be admitted to the hospital or surgery center.
Your vital signs, such as blood pressure and temperature, will be measured.
A clean hospital gown will be provided.
All jewelry, dentures, contact lenses, and nail polish must be removed.
An IV will be started to give you fluids and medication during and after the procedure.
Your hip will be scrubbed and shaved in preparation for surgery.
An anesthesia provider will discuss the type of anesthesia that will be used.
Your surgeon will confirm and initial the correct surgical site.

All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.

Will My Surgery Be Successful?

The success of your surgery depends a lot on what you do when you go home. Follow your doctor’s advice about what to eat, what medicines to take, and how to exercise. Talk with your doctor about any pain or trouble moving.

Joint replacement is usually a success in most people who have it. When problems do occur, most are treatable. Possible problems include:

Infection. Areas in the wound or around the new joint may get infected. It may happen while you’re still in the hospital or after you go home. It may even occur years later. Minor infections in the wound are usually treated with drugs. Deep infections may need a second operation to treat the infection or replace the joint.
Blood clots. If your blood moves too slowly, it may begin to form lumps of blood parts called clots. If pain and swelling develop in your legs after hip or knee surgery, blood clots may be the cause. The doctor may suggest drugs to make your blood thin or special stockings, exercises, or boots to help your blood move faster. If swelling, redness, or pain occurs in your leg after you leave the hospital, contact your doctor right away.
Loosening. The new joint may loosen, causing pain. If the loosening is bad, you may need another operation to reattach the joint to the bone.
Dislocation. Sometimes after hip or other joint replacement, the ball of the prosthesis can come out of its socket. In most cases, the hip can be corrected without surgery. A brace may be worn for a while if a dislocation occurs.
Wear. Some wear can be found in all joint replacements. Too much wear may help cause loosening. The doctor may need to operate again if the prosthesis comes loose. Sometimes, the plastic can wear thin, and the doctor may just replace the plastic and not the whole joint.
Nerve and blood vessel injury. Nerves near the replaced joint may be damaged during surgery, but this does not happen often. Over time, the damage often improves and may disappear. Blood vessels may also be injured.
As you move your new joint and let your muscles grow strong again, pain will lessen, flexibility will increase, and movement will improve.

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Orthopedic Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Knee

Anatomy and function of the knee

What makes up your knee?

Rheumatoid arthritis of the knee

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

When is knee replacement surgery recommended?

What is the right age for total knee surgery?

How do I know when it's time to consider surgery?

Important safety notes

References

When is knee replacement surgery recommended?

What is the right age for total knee surgery?

How do I know when it's time to consider surgery?

Important safety notes

References

Hip

Anatomy and function of the hip

Osteoarthritis of the hip

What is Osteoarthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis of the hip

Rheumatoid arthritis

Know your options

Non-surgical options for hip pain

What is the right age for hip surgery?

What is the right age for total hip replacement surgery?

References

What is hip replacement surgery?

Is total hip replacement surgery for you?

Important safety notes

References

When is hip surgery recommended?

How do I know when it's time to consider surgery?

Important safety notes

How is hip surgery performed?

Important safety notes

General

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