What to expect with Hip Replacement Surgery?

Dr. Harb performs minimally invasive, muscle sparing direct anterior hip replacement surgery. This is a revolutionary technique to hip replacements that provides significantly reduced pain and quicker recovery compared to traditional hip replacement surgery. This advanced technique allows for Dr. Harb to replace the hip without cutting any muscles, tendons, or ligaments. Compared to traditional hip replacement there is no traumatic dislocation of the hip so the soft tissues are less damaged.

Dr. Harb’s incision for direction anterior hip replacement surgery is 3-4 inches in length or approximately 8-10cm. The muscles are carefully moved out of the way and the hip joint is exposed. The arthritic ends of the bones are removed. The hip socket is prepared, measured, and a cup / acetabular shell is inserted into the new socket. A polyethylene liner is placed into the cup that will be the new bearing surface for your hip. The arthritis from the thigh bone is then removed and then implants are tailored to fit your bone. A titanium stem is implanted into the thigh bone and a ceramic ball is placed on top of the hip stem which allows for recreation of the ball and socket joint.

Once all the prosthesis are in place, Dr. Harb tests the hip for range of motion and stability. After stability is confirmed the hip is washed with antibiotics to prevent infection and your hip is closed. On average the length of surgery from start to finish is about sixty to ninety minutes.

After surgery you will be sent to the recovery room and you will begin to walk with a walker for protection. You will then be seen by medical staff and if you are safe for discharge you will be released from the surgery center or hospital.

To prevent your surgery from being postponed you will need to complete the following items.

Read your Joint Replacement Handbook carefully.
Determine who your care partner will be.
Determine where you will have physical therapy after surgery.
Complete your planning worksheet located in your handbook.
Schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or medical doctor for medical clearance.
Take the medical clearance form provided to your primary care doctor for clearance. If directed, also schedule an appointment with any specialty providers, which may include cardiology, pulmonology, dentist. These appointments must be completed prior to your surgery.

Hip Replacement Book

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