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Hip replacement surgery may be recommended to individuals with persistent hip pain, a fractured hip joint, or a developmental issue that is causing chronic discomfort. During a total replacement, an orthopedic surgeon removes the arthritic joint (including the head of the bone and the socket), then replaces it with an artificial implant. These implants are typically made from metal and plastic components and are designed to mimic the natural motion of the original joint. During a partial hip replacement, the socket is left intact, but the head of the bone is removed and replaced with a prosthetic.
At Florida Medical Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & Spine, we understand that there isn’t a single approach to hip replacement surgery that works for every patient. The right approach for each individual depends on the severity of the damage in the hip joint, as well as the underlying cause (injury-related damage is often treated in a different manner than degenerative damage). We offer a comprehensive range of hip care options to help our patients return to their active lives.
Highly experienced in many different forms of hip and knee surgery, Dr. Gerald “Trey” Alexander III, M.D., uses his extensive clinical knowledge to determine the best approach for each patient. Dr. Alexander offers:
- Minimally invasive procedures
- Robot- and computer-assisted procedures
- Muscle-sparing procedures
- Outpatient procedures
Dr. Alexander also specializes in treating painful or failed hip replacements. Sometimes, when an initial hip replacement is not successful, it is possible to revise the surgery using newer (and more technologically advanced) implants so that activity is less painful and a fuller range of motion is restored.
Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement – Direct Superior Approach
We understand that making sure you know what to expect from the hip replacement experience is important to you. If you have additional questions as you are reading through this material, please reach out to us to discuss.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hip Pain
Each patient is unique, and can experience hip pain for different reasons. It’s important to talk to us about the cause of your hip pain so you can understand the treatment options available to you. One common cause of hip pain is arthritis, a degenerative condition that involves the breakdown of cartilage and bones in the hip joint. Pain from arthritis and joint degeneration can be constant or come and go, occur with movement or after a period of rest, or be located in one spot or many parts of the body. If you haven’t experienced adequate relief with medication and other conservative treatments, hip replacement may provide you with relief from your arthritis.
Total Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement involves removing arthritic bone and damaged cartilage in the hip joint, and replacing them with an implant. The hip joint is generally described as a ball-and-socket joint. Take a look at how the end of the thigh bone (femoral head) is replaced with a metal stem and an artificial ball that is secured to the top of the stem. The hip socket (acetabulum) is reconstructed, typically using a metal cup lined with a durable plastic (polyethylene). The femoral and acetabular components work together to form the artificial hip implant.
To learn more about your hip replacement options or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Alexander, contact Florida Medical Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & Spine today.
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