Total Hip Arthroplasty (Total Hip Replacement)
Total hip arthroplasty, also known as total hip replacement, is a surgical procedure used to relieve pain and restore function in a hip joint that has been severely damaged by arthritis, injury, or other degenerative conditions. During the procedure, the damaged ball and socket of the hip joint are replaced with prosthetic components to restore smoother, more comfortable movement.
Total hip replacement is typically reserved for patients with significant joint damage and persistent hip pain who have not found sufficient relief with conservative or less invasive treatments. With this procedure, Dr. Seiter can help patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.
Candidates for Total Hip Arthroplasty
You may be a candidate for total hip replacement if you:
- Experience chronic hip or groin pain that interferes with daily activities
- Have significant stiffness or reduced range of motion in the hip
- Have difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a seated position
- Experience pain even at rest or pain that interferes with sleep
- Have advanced arthritis or joint degeneration confirmed through imaging
- Have hip joint damage related to an injury or other degenerative condition
- Have ongoing symptoms without notable improvement despite physical therapy, activity modification, medications, injections, or other non-surgical treatments
Dr. Seiter will perform a thorough physical exam and review imaging studies to determine whether total hip arthroplasty is the right treatment for your condition.
About the Procedure
Total hip arthroplasty replaces damaged portions of the hip with artificial components. In a healthy hip, the femoral head (ball of the femur bone) moves smoothly against the acetabulum (hip socket). When both the ball and socket are damaged, replacing them with prosthetics restores a smoother and more comfortable joint motion.
During surgery, the damaged femoral head is removed and replaced with a prosthetic ball attached to a stem placed within the femur. The damaged surface of the acetabulum (socket) is also resurfaced and fitted with a prosthetic cup and liner. Together, these components recreate the hip joint and allow the ball to move smoothly within the socket. Surgical approaches include:
- Anterior Hip Replacement: Accesses the hip joint through the front of the hip, allowing the surgeon to work between muscles rather than detaching them from the bone. For appropriately selected patients, this muscle-sparing approach may allow for less discomfort and a faster early recovery.
- Posterior Hip Replacement: Accesses the joint from the back of the hip, providing excellent visualization and easier access to the hip joint. This versatile approach may be particularly beneficial for patients with complex anatomy, significant joint damage, or revision surgery.
Dr. Seiter will determine the most appropriate surgical approach based on your individual anatomy, joint damage, overall health, and treatment goals.
Recovery
Here is what most patients can expect for recovery after total hip arthroplasty:
- Use of a walker, crutches, or cane shortly after surgery, followed by gradual progression to independent walking
- Physical therapy beginning shortly after surgery to restore mobility, strength, and function
- Return to many light daily activities within 4 to 6 weeks
- Gradual return to low-impact exercise and more demanding activities as healing progresses
- Continued improvement in strength, mobility, and function over 3 to 6 months
- Full recovery and maximum improvement typically within 6 to 12 months
Dr. Seiter and his care team will provide a personalized recovery plan and closely monitor your progress to help you safely return to your normal activities.