Hip Replacement
Hip replacement, or arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a doctor removes the unhealthy parts of the hip joint and replaces it with artificial parts. Hip replacement is typically done when all other treatment options have failed at providing adequate pain relief. For many patients, hip replacement surgery can result in decreased pain, increased mobility, improvement in daily activities, and an improved quality of life.
The SROSM hip specialists will take the time to understand your condition and will determine if a hip replacement – full or partial – is the best option. Schedule an appointment at Spring, The Woodlands or Woodforest locations.
Types of Hip Replacements
There are two main types of hip replacement procedures: partial and total.
- Partial hip replacement, also called hip hemiarthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where only the femoral head (the ball) of the damaged hip joint is replaced. The acetabulum (the socket) is not replaced. watch partial hip replacement video
- Total hip replacement surgery includes replacing both the ball and socket of the joint. watch total hip replacement video
For younger, active patients, hip resurfacing may be a suitable alternative to a total hip replacement. Unlike total hip replacement, hip resurfacing doesn't require removing the entire femoral head and replacing it with a ball of metal or ceramic material. Instead the damaged femoral head is reshaped and fitted with a metal covering that fits into the socket, which preserves more of the natural bone. Your SROSM hip specialist can help determine if hip resurfacing is the best option for you.
Total Hip Replacement Surgery Options
Joint replacement is a big decision and your orthopedic team at SROSM will walk you through the options to help you determine if or when a hip joint replacement is right for you. Our team includes experienced MAKO-certified orthopedic surgeons here in Spring, Woodforest and The Woodlands.
MAKOplasty Robotic-Assisted Hip Replacement
For patients suffering from non-inflammatory or inflammatory degenerative joint disease of the hip, SROSM offers MAKO technology. MAKO is the latest advancement in hip replacement surgery that provides you with a personalized surgical plan for your total hip replacement.
The Mako technology provides your surgeon with a patient-specific 3-D model to pre-operatively plan your hip replacement. During surgery, your surgeon guides the Stryker robotic-arm based on your patient-specific plan. This helps the surgeon to focus on removal of diseased bone, helping preserve healthy bone, and assists your surgeon in accurate and precise positioning of the total hip implant based on your anatomy.
Anterior Hip Replacement
There are several different ways (or surgical approaches) of entering the hip joint to perform surgery on the hip. An anterior hip incision (approximately 4 to 6 inches in length) can be made on the front of the thigh that limits damage to the muscles and tendons of the hip. Instead of cutting or detaching, the muscles below the skin are merely separated to allow access to the hip joint. The technique of working between the muscles and tissues without having to detach them from either of the hip or thigh bones can spare tissue from unnecessary trauma.
With an anterior approach total hip replacement, patients generally are able to recover faster which results in reducing the length of the hospital stay and helps patients participate in physical therapy sooner.
watch anterior hip replacement video
You can also learn more about hip arthroplasty by downloading our educational document at the button below.
Download a Patient's Guide to Artificial Joint Replacement of the Hip