Hip replacement surgery, also known as total hip arthroplasty, is a procedure performed to replace the damaged cartilage of the hip joint due to conditions such as osteoarthritis or avascular necrosis. The joint is replaced with an artificial hip joint made from metal, ceramic, or durable plastic (polyethylene).
Following hip replacement surgery, patients experience relief from pain and regain mobility. This surgery is one of the most commonly performed orthopedic procedures worldwide.
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What is Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery or total hip replacement involves removing damaged cartilage and bone from the hip joint and replacing it with artificial components. These prosthetics are typically made of metal, ceramic, and plastic materials.
The main objectives of total hip replacement are to eliminate pain caused by hip osteoarthritis, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life.
What Conditions Require Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery is performed for the following conditions:
1. Hip Osteoarthritis (Coxarthrosis):
Hip osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by cartilage wear in the hip joint. This condition, common in older adults, leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. When non-surgical treatments like pain relievers, injections, or lifestyle changes no longer provide relief, hip replacement surgery becomes necessary.
Click here to learn more about hip osteoarthritis and its treatment.
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis:
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammation in joints, leading to cartilage and bone damage. In severe cases, hip replacement surgery is performed to restore mobility and relieve pain.
3. Avascular Necrosis:
Avascular necrosis occurs when the blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, causing bone and cartilage death. Advanced cases require total hip replacement to restore joint function.
Learn more about avascular necrosis here.
4. Trauma:
Severe injuries such as fractures within the hip joint or damage to the acetabulum (hip socket) can result in cartilage deterioration, eventually necessitating hip replacement surgery.
5. Congenital Hip Dysplasia:
When congenital hip dislocation is not treated during childhood, it may lead to severe joint damage by early adulthood. In such cases, total hip replacement is required to restore mobility and improve quality of life.
When Should Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis Consider Hip Replacement Surgery?
Patients with hip osteoarthritis should consider hip replacement surgery if non-surgical treatments fail to alleviate their symptoms. Key indicators include:
Severe Pain: Persistent and intense pain that interferes with daily activities or occurs even at rest.
Reduced Mobility: Difficulty performing everyday tasks due to joint stiffness and limited range of motion.
Ineffectiveness of Medications: Failure of pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, or other treatments to control symptoms.
Difficulty Sleeping: Pain that disrupts sleep and leaves the patient feeling unrested.
The timing of surgery depends on the patient’s overall health, lifestyle, and quality of life.
How is Hip Replacement Surgery Performed?
Hip replacement surgery can be performed under general anesthesia or spinal-epidural anesthesia. The procedure involves the following steps:
Accessing the Joint: Open surgery is used to access the hip joint. The surgeon dislocates the hip to expose the damaged areas.
Removing Damaged Tissue: The femoral head and neck are removed. The acetabulum (hip socket) is prepared with specialized tools.
Implanting Artificial Components:
Acetabulum: A titanium implant is placed into the hip socket, sometimes secured with screws. A ceramic liner is then inserted.
Femur: The femur is prepared to fit a titanium stem, which is inserted into the bone. A ceramic femoral head is attached to the stem.
Final Assembly: The artificial joint is assembled, ensuring proper alignment and function. The leg lengths are checked to prevent any discrepancy.
Watch Hip Replacement Surgery
You can click on this link to watch the total hip replacement surgery performed by Op. Dr. Utku Erdem Özer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQKVwmZAt88
Risks of Hip Replacement Surgery
As with any surgical procedure, hip replacement carries potential risks. These include:
Infection: Postoperative infections can occur and may require additional treatment.
Blood Clots: Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism are potential complications.
Implant Issues: Loosening, dislocation, or wear of the prosthetic components may occur over time.
Discussing these risks with your surgeon can help you make an informed decision.
What Are the Types of Hip Replacements?
Total Hip Replacement (THR)
This is the most common type of hip replacement surgery. Both joint surfaces are replaced, creating an artificial joint.
Partial Hip Replacement (PHR)
Unlike total hip replacement, only the head and neck of the femur are replaced. This procedure is primarily performed for elderly patients with hip fractures that are unlikely to heal on their own.
Hip Resurfacing
Both joint surfaces are replaced, but this procedure is specifically designed for younger, more active patients with hip arthritis. Not every patient is a suitable candidate for this surgery.
What Materials Are the Implants Used in Hip Replacement Made From?
What Is the Post-Surgery Recovery Process for Hip Replacement?
For patients who undergo total hip replacement surgery, I ensure they begin walking within 24 hours after surgery, often with the assistance of a walker. If the surgery is performed in the early morning, I even encourage patients to start walking the same evening or the following morning without removing their drainage tube. This protocol applies to both single and bilateral hip replacement surgeries.
Benefits of Early MobilizationEarly mobilization reduces the risk of complications like blood clots and enhances blood circulation in the surgical area, promoting faster healing.
Recovery Milestones
Most patients can walk without a walker or crutches within three weeks after surgery.
A few days after surgery, patients can take showers using waterproof dressings.
Recovery Timeline
Days 1–3: Supervised short walks with a nurse or myself.
Days 3–21: Gradually increasing walking distances with a walker or crutches.
After 4 Weeks: Walking independently without any assistive devices.
This structured recovery process ensures a quicker return to daily activities and improved overall outcomes.
Patient Reviews on Hip Replacement Surgery
Patient experiences play a crucial role in understanding the impact of this surgery. Here are some reviews from patients who underwent surgery with Dr. Utku Erdem Özer:
Ayşe T.: "My pain significantly decreased after the surgery. My mobility has greatly improved."
Mehmet K.: "Thanks to our doctor’s care during and after the operation, the process was much easier."
Post-Surgery Testimonials - Patient Experiences
You can watch testimonials from patients who had total hip replacement surgery performed by Dr. Utku Erdem Özer by clicking the link below:
Hip Replacement Surgery Cost 2025
The cost of hip replacement surgery varies depending on several factors. Since the price is a critical decision-making factor for patients, we prioritize providing a personalized cost estimate for each patient.
For the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information, please contact us through our communication channels. This way, you can receive a customized price offer tailored to your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Replacement Surgery
Below, we’ve answered the most frequently asked questions about hip replacement surgery. If you have additional questions, feel free to reach out to us via the contact section for free advice.
How Long Does Hip Replacement Surgery Take?
The procedure typically lasts 1 to 1.5 hours. Patients usually stay in the hospital for 2–3 days post-surgery.
When Can I Walk After Hip Replacement Surgery?
Most patients can walk with the help of a walker or crutches within one day after surgery. For surgeries performed in the early morning, patients are sometimes able to walk the same evening if pain is well-managed.
Can Both Hips Be Replaced in a Single Surgery?
Yes, bilateral hip replacement can be performed in a single session, especially in patients under 80 years of age without underlying heart or lung conditions.
What Is the Lifespan of a Hip Prosthesis?
Modern hip prostheses have an average lifespan of 20–30 years.
Is the Surgery and Recovery Process Painful?
Advancements in regional nerve blocks, spinal and epidural anesthesia, and pain management techniques over the past 10–15 years have significantly reduced post-surgical pain. Compared to total knee replacement, total hip replacement is generally considered less painful.
How Long Do Patients Stay in the Hospital After Hip Replacement Surgery?
For single-sided total hip replacement surgery, patients typically stay in the hospital for three nights. If both hips are replaced during the same procedure, the stay may extend to five nights. Factors such as the patient’s overall condition, age, and any additional health issues can influence the length of the hospital stay.
Another key factor is the patient’s postoperative rehabilitation progress. Before discharge, the patient should be able to sit up, stand with assistance, walk in the room and hallway using a walker, and use a standard (Western-style) toilet. Achieving a 90-degree hip flexion angle is essential for safe discharge.
When Are Stitches Removed After Hip Replacement Surgery?
In surgeries I perform, I use dissolvable sutures that are not visible externally, eliminating the need for stitch removal. The wound generally heals within 10–14 days, after which no further dressing is required.
How Large Is the Scar from Hip Replacement Surgery?
The incision for total hip replacement surgery is typically around 12–15 cm. Factors such as obesity or severe joint degeneration due to hip dysplasia may require larger incisions. However, studies show that smaller incisions do not offer significant advantages in terms of pain or healing.
Using the Toilet After Hip Replacement Surgery
A urinary catheter is inserted before surgery and usually removed the day after surgery once the patient can move adequately. Prolonged use of a catheter increases the risk of urinary tract infections and is therefore not recommended.
Patients can use a standard toilet for bowel movements starting the day after surgery. Squatting toilets are strictly prohibited for patients with hip replacements due to the risk of dislocation.
When Can I Drive After Hip Replacement Surgery?
Driving is not permitted for six weeks following hip replacement surgery. After this period, you should consult your doctor before resuming driving.
When Can I Take a Shower After Hip Replacement Surgery?
In the surgeries I perform, I remove the drain 24 hours post-operation and use waterproof dressings to cover the incision. Patients can shower either on the same day or 3–4 days after surgery under the supervision of a nurse if still in the hospital. At home, as long as the waterproof dressing remains intact, there is no issue with taking a shower.
What Are the Post-Surgery Restrictions?
For approximately six weeks, avoid positions that may increase the risk of hip dislocation, such as crossing your legs or squatting. After this period, the soft tissues around the surgical site heal, and restrictions are generally lifted, allowing for a broader range of activities.vities.
Conclusion
Hip replacement surgery is a significant procedure aimed at reducing pain and improving mobility. It involves replacing the damaged hip joint cartilage, caused by conditions such as arthritis or avascular necrosis, with artificial components made of metal, ceramic, or high-quality plastic.
Globally, it is one of the most common orthopedic surgeries, particularly necessary for severe arthritis, joint diseases in older adults, or traumatic injuries.
The procedure is performed under general or spinal-epidural anesthesia and is followed by rapid postoperative mobility. Most patients experience a significant improvement in their quality of life, with reduced pain and restored ability to perform daily activities comfortably.
The success of this surgery is further demonstrated by the positive experiences of patients, who often report remarkable improvements in their overall quality of life after recovery.ny patients experiencing significant improvements in their quality of life after surgery.
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