Hip Replacement Surgery

If you have hip pain that isn’t responding to other therapies, hip replacement surgery may help relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

A hip replacement (hip arthroplasty) can help reduce hip pain associated with hip arthritis and other conditions. During the procedure, an orthopaedic surgeon replaces your hip joint with a prosthetic (artificial) implant.

Orthopaedic surgeons at MU Health Care perform hip replacements using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. New surgical advances and protocols also allow many patients to go home the same day as their hip replacement.

We also offer robotic-assisted hip replacements and specialize in complex arthroplasties, including revision surgeries for failed implants.

Types of Hip Replacement Available at MU Health Care

Most hip arthroplasties are total hip replacements, meaning your surgeon replaces both the ball and socket of your hip joint. Less often, a partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty) is done to replace just the ball, or top of your femur.

We perform hip replacements using the latest surgical techniques and technology, so they are less invasive than traditional arthroplasties. When performed by experienced surgeons like those at MU Health Care, the following procedures have similar outcomes for patients.

Anterior Approach Hip Replacement

This hip replacement surgery is performed from the front of your hip.

Posterior Approach Hip Replacement

Through an incision on your side, surgeons perform this hip replacement surgery from the back of your hip.

Robotic-Assisted Hip Replacement

Your surgeon can use either the anterior and posterior approach with or without an advanced robotic system. At MU Health Care, our team uses the Mako SmartRobotics and VELYS Robotic-Assisted Solution systems for robotic-assisted hip replacements.

Before a robotic-assisted hip replacement, your surgeon will create a digital model of your joint using 3D computed tomography (CT). During surgery, the system uses the image to help our team make precise cuts and align your joint.

Outpatient Hip Replacement

If you undergo any of these less invasive approaches to hip replacement, you may be able to go home the same day as surgery. Otherwise, you can likely return home a day or two after surgery.

Hip Revision

A revision hip replacement can help if you’ve had a joint replacement that has been damaged or has failed. Hip revisions are also an option if you’ve had an infection in your joint. During a hip revision, a surgeon can repair or replace your artificial joint.

Second Opinions for Hip Replacement

If a hip replacement has been recommended for you, our team can review your situation and offer a second opinion. Other, less invasive treatments like hip preservation at MU Health Care may be an option.

Am I a Candidate for Hip Replacement?

Hip replacements can treat pain resulting from a range of hip conditions. You may be a candidate if you have hip pain from:

Hip arthritis (osteoarthritis)
Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions
Broken hip from a fall or other orthopaedic trauma
Bone necrosis (osteonecrosis), when bone tissue dies at the top of the femur (ball of hip socket)
Infection in the hip joint
Hip dysplasia and deformities
Failed hip implants or periprosthetic fractures (fractures around implants)

If you’re not sure you are a candidate, take our online joint replacement surgery assessment to learn more. However, a hip replacement may not be your only option. Many younger patients find relief from minimally invasive hip preservation treatments available at MU Health Care.

Our team can perform a thorough medical evaluation and recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your needs and goals.

Our Approach to Hip Replacement

Outcomes from hip replacement have improved in recent years, thanks to advanced surgical techniques, new implants and better rehabilitation protocols.

Even if you have other health conditions, you may still be a candidate for hip replacement. We routinely replace hips in patients with heart, liver or blood issues, and even organ transplants.

Before surgery, we will work with your primary care physician and other specialists to coordinate any tests needed. By partnering with your cardiologist, rheumatologist, endocrinologist and other experts as needed, we aim to get you cleared for surgery more quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Replacement

What Are the Advantages of Hip Replacement?

Hip replacements have helped millions of patients find pain relief. The results of a successful hip replacement typically last a long time. Depending on your age and activity level, your new hip may last the rest of your life.

When Should I Consider a Hip Replacement?

When medicines, exercise, weight loss and hip preservation treatments no longer manage or control your hip pain, a hip replacement may be the answer. Take our online joint replacement surgery assessment to find out if you’re a candidate.

What Health Conditions Must Be Considered Before Undergoing Hip Replacement Surgery?

Having certain health conditions, like heart disease or diabetes, can affect your outcomes after any surgery. It’s important to discuss these issues with your team before your procedure. We can involve specialists across different fields to help you prepare for your procedure.

How Can I Prepare for Hip Replacement Surgery?

To have a more successful hip replacement procedure, you can:

Avoid smoking and drinking excess alcohol.
Do your preop exercises.
Get your recommended medical, dental and other checks.
Maintain a healthy weight, or lose weight if needed.
Ask your care team any questions you have about surgery.

How Long Does it Take to Fully Recover From Hip Replacement?

Recovery time after hip replacement varies from a few months to a year after surgery.

What to Expect with Hip Replacement

Before Your Hip Replacement

You’ll meet with our team for a thorough evaluation, X-rays and other tests to see if you’re a candidate for hip replacement.
Your orthopaedic surgeon and nurse will educate you on what you can expect before, during and after surgery.
We encourage you to participate in “prehab” to build strength during the weeks or months before surgery. We’ll teach you exercises as part of our Joint Health Program. We also provide instructions for at-home exercises in our hip replacement surgery guide.
We recommend quitting smoking before surgery and can provide support to help you accomplish this.
If you’re having robot-assisted total hip replacement, you will have a 3D computed tomography (CT) imaging scan. The scan will help your care team plan and personalize your hip replacement.

During Your Hip Replacement

You will receive regional (epidural) or general anesthesia before your surgery.
Your team will surgically remove the top of your femur (femoral head) and smooth out your hip socket (acetabulum). They will then replace the joint with an implant.
If you’re just having a partial hip replacement, only your femur will be replaced.

After Your Hip Replacement

To improve pain management after surgery, you will receive different types of pain medication to take on a specific schedule. This medication regimen can significantly reduce pain after hip replacement surgery.
You’ll start physical therapy in the hospital. While many people don’t need outpatient PT, our team may recommend it or suggest at-home exercises during your recovery.
You may be able to return home the same day as your procedure, or the next day or two.
You’ll receive questionnaires through the patient portal so we can monitor your progress during the weeks and months after surgery.