More than one million hip replacements are performed in the United States every year, making it one of the most common orthopedic procedures. For people with serious hip damage, a total hip replacement provides pain relief and increased mobility.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most common causes of hip damage. Other reasons for a total hip replacement include a fracture due to an accident or fall, and osteonecrosis, a condition that occurs when poor blood supply causes the bone to die.

For orthopedic patients with chronic hip pain or limited range of motion, a total hip replacement may be the next step. Union Health Orthopedics offers comprehensive treatment for total hip replacement. Union Health patients are often back to regular life within two weeks of surgery.

If you're considering a total hip replacement, we've got answers to five of the most common questions about the procedure.

The hip joint is made of a ball and socket. The socket is part of your pelvis, and the ball is the top of the femur bone. The ball and socket are covered with cartilage to help you move comfortably. The cartilage is covered in a thin tissue called the synovial membrane to keep it lubricated and working properly.

Arthritis, osteonecrosis, or serious fractures can damage the cartilage and bone of the hip joint. Worn cartilage allows the bones in the hip to rub against one another, causing pain and making it difficult to move.

During total hip replacement surgery, surgeons remove and replace damaged bone and cartilage in the hip joint with man-made parts.

Speaking to your orthopedist is the first step in deciding whether surgery is right for you. Orthopedic surgeons recommend patients for total hip replacements based on their existing pain levels, current health, and how much their pain impacts their life, not their age or weight.

Candidates for total hip replacement often have:

• Hip pain during daily activities
• Hip pain throughout the day, even when at rest
• Pain and stiffness in the hip and knee that makes movement more difficult
• Tried previous treatments to relieve hip pain and stiffness, including anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, and walking supports, that have not been successful

Hip replacements are common procedures, but they're still major surgery. A typical total hip replacement procedure takes approximately two hours. During surgery, you will be put to sleep using general anesthesia.

The procedure begins with an incision on the front, back, or side of the hip. These incisions are generally small to reduce the impact on the soft tissues. The damaged cartilage and bone are removed and replaced with an artificial joint, or prosthesis.

Artificial joints are made with several different materials and parts, including a metal stem, a metal or ceramic ball, and a plastic or ceramic socket. The artificial joint is secured with surgical screws or glues.

When surgery is complete, you will be monitored before being discharged to return home. Some people may require a short hospital stay while some may go home earlier. Your orthopedic surgeon will discuss these options with you prior to surgery.

Preparing for total hip replacement surgery requires collaboration between you and your care team. Here are some things you should consider before your surgery:

• Ask your orthopedic team for help setting expectations for what surgery and recovery will look like.
• If you smoke, quit. This will make surgery safer and improves healing.
• Lose weight if necessary. Shedding pounds before surgery helps speed recovery and reduce the strain on the artificial hip joint.

In the days after surgery, it will be more difficult to move around. Preparing your home before surgery helps make this easier:

• Ask a friend or family member for support with household chores.
• Make meals in advance and stock the pantry with food items that require little or no cooking.
• Schedule transportation to and from the hospital.

The most common complication after total hip replacement surgery is hip dislocation. This is because artificial joints differ in size, unlike natural ones. As with all major surgeries, there's a risk of blood clots or infection, and you may notice some lingering pain after the procedure. If you experience severe pain, alert your doctor immediately. Otherwise, pain medication will be administered for comfort after surgery. Some patients may require support from wound care specialists to monitor an incision.

Most patients can return to light activities within two to three weeks post-surgery with full recovery in about six weeks.

Preparing your home for recovery can help make the days after surgery easier:

• Set up a recovery space where you'll be comfortable with access to a bathroom and necessary items such as a phone or walking support within reach.
• Shower benches and a raised toilet seat can make using the bathroom easier.

In the weeks after surgery, exercise and physical therapy are very important. Physical therapists help design a fitness routine to improve mobility and get you back to your life. Not only does physical therapy support daily movement, but it also reduces the risk of falling after surgery.

Union Health Orthopedics offers complete orthopedic care close to home. Hip pain doesn't have to become your new normal. Speak with an orthopedist at Union Health to discuss treatment methods to address hip pain and see if a total hip replacement is right for you.