Total Hip Replacement Specialist

What is hip arthritis? 

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint, formed by the top of your thigh bone (femur) and pelvis. Muscles, ligaments, and the capsule around the thigh and buttock support the hip. 

The joint is lined with cartilage, and the cushioning cartilage can wear away over time. As it does, the hip can become stiff and painful, resulting in osteoarthritis. It affects more than 32.5 million adults in the United States and is the most common cause of patients needing hip replacement surgery.

What is a total hip replacement?

Total hip replacement, also called total hip arthroplasty, is surgery to remove damaged or diseased parts of your hip and replace them with prosthetic components made of ceramic, metal, and plastic.

Integrity Orthopedics surgeon Dr. Muradov is fellowship-trained in hip reconstruction and uses the most advanced technologies and techniques. He performs muscle-sparing procedures like direct anterior hip replacement as well as the more traditional posterior approach. He discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each technique at your consultation.

Dr. Muradov uses top-quality implants from leading brands like DePuy Synthes, Zimmer Biomet, Smith + Nephew, MicroPort, and Stryker. Because he’s not bound to any one company, he selects the best implant for your specific needs. Dr. Muradov plans the surgery ahead of time using computer software and the patient’s own X-rays. 

Why would I need a total hip replacement?

Arthritis is the most common reason people need hip replacement surgery. Arthritis causes joint pain and stiffness that makes everyday activities like walking and standing feel like a challenge.

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis. Other types that affect the hip include rheumatoid arthritis and post-traumatic arthritis.

Avascular necrosis, or osteonecrosis, is another condition that may require hip arthroplasty. Osteonecrosis causes the bone to die due to a lack of blood supply.

Dr. Muradov makes sure to explore every available non-surgical treatment for hip pain, including physical therapy, weight management and medications, temporary crutch or cane use, prescription anti-inflammatory medications, and injectables before he recommends surgery. 

You may be a candidate for a total hip replacement if your hip pain continues to interfere with your quality of life despite treatment.

What are the approaches to total hip replacement?

Dr. Muradov has extensive experience with various approaches to hip replacement:

Direct anterior approach

The modern direct anterior approach accesses your joint through an incision on the front of your hip. This approach is considered a minimally invasive surgery because it involves less damage to healthy tissue.

Posterior approach

The classic posterior approach uses an incision on the rear side of your hip. This approach remains the most commonly used among orthopedic surgeons.

What are the advantages of the anterior hip approach?

The anterior approach offers significant advantages when compared with the traditional posterior approach. These include:

• Reduced risk of hip dislocation
• No movement restrictions after surgery (you can bend and cross your legs)

• Reduced time in the hospital — 90% of patients can leave from their recovery room
• Significantly less pain
• Faster return to preferred activities
• Less need for assistive devices — most patients stop walker and cane use in a few days

If you’re a good candidate for anterior hip approach surgery, there’s no doubt that it offers impressive benefits as compared with the traditional method.

Who is a candidate for the muscle-sparing anterior hip approach?

Many patients are candidates for the anterior approach. That being said, some patients who have had previous major hip surgery or those who require a more complex reconstruction may not be candidates. 

In addition, some patients who have extreme osteoporosis or a large belly that hangs over the incision site may be better suited with a posterior approach.

What is the recovery like after total hip replacement?

Most patients are able to go home within 24 hours after a hip replacement procedure. Recovery times vary depending on your preoperative condition and overall health. Dr. Muradov discusses what to expect as far as pain management, wound care, and physical therapy and rehabilitation.

For the highest degree of patient-centered care in total hip replacement, call Integrity Orthopedics, or book an appointment online today.

Hip Replacement Surgery - Mini-Posterior Approach