Hip replacement surgery

If pain or stiffness is making it difficult to move, hip replacement surgery may help. In hip replacement surgery, doctors remove damaged or diseased bone and replace it with an artificial ball-and-socket joint.

Total hip replacement is considered one of the most successful operations in modern medicine. It provides excellent pain relief. Most patients find that the surgery removes 95% of their pain and lets them get back to enjoying their everyday activities.

Restoring mobility with hip replacement

We offer comprehensive hip replacement care including preparation for surgery, collaboration between care teams, surgical treatment, specialized therapy and rehabilitation.

Highlights of our hip replacement surgery include:

• Direct anterior hip replacement: Aurora is a leading provider of direct anterior hip replacement. This advanced procedure lets people recover more quickly and get back to work faster.
• Hip resurfacing: For younger people, hip resurfacing can be an effective alternative to hip replacement. During this procedure, surgeons remove only the damaged part of the joint in order to reduce hip pain. Learn more about treatments for hip pain.
• Knowledgeable surgeons: Minimally invasive hip replacement is not the best choice for everyone. We work with you to choose the approach that will be most successful for your unique condition and lifestyle.
• Computer-assisted joint replacement: The best joint replacement requires precision. We were one of the first in the U.S. to use computerized technology that helps surgeons navigate a new joint into place.
• Pain relief: With pain prevention and pain management after surgery, we help you minimize pain during recovery so you can concentrate on getting back on your feet. Learn about orthopedic pain we treat.
• Simultaneous bilateral hip replacement: If hip disease affects both hips, you may be able to have both joints replaced at once. A one-time replacement of both hips can help you heal with just one recovery period.

Customized hip replacement surgery

Our surgeons provide several types of hip replacement surgery, tailoring each procedure to your specific needs. Your surgeon will make you aware of your options and discuss the most promising method for you.

Direct anterior hip replacement

We are leaders in minimally invasive hip surgery. In fact, we were among the first in Wisconsin to use the direct anterior approach to hip replacement surgery.

In this procedure, surgeons access your hip joint from the anterior (front) of your body, instead of the side or the back. The procedure requires only small incisions and causes less damage to major muscles.

Benefits of direct anterior hip replacement and other minimally invasive procedures include:

• Faster recovery with less postoperative pain
• Shorter hospital stay
• Better range of motion
• Light activities after 3 to 6 weeks

Conventional hip replacement surgery

If your surgeons need more access to your hip, they may recommend a conventional hip replacement procedure to achieve the best results.

Conventional hip replacement works well for some people who have a painful, disabling joint disease because of severe arthritis. It also may help people who do not feel better after trying medication, therapy or other less invasive procedures.

Hip revision surgery

Sometimes, years of normal wear and tear result in damage to artificial hip joints. You may want to discuss hip revision surgery with your doctor if you notice increased pain, stiffness or hip instability.

Hip revision helps correct the problem so the hip can function normally again. Afterward, people often experience less pain and better movement.

Hip resurfacing

If you’re having hip pain but don’t want a hip replacement, you might want to consider hip resurfacing surgery. Hip resurfacing allows young, active patients with hip pain to avoid or postpone total hip replacement.

Hip resurfacing involves removing only damaged areas of the hip joint. This type of surgery is generally less invasive than conventional hip replacement, where we remove and replace the ball and socket of an arthritic or damaged hip.

Preparing for hip replacement surgery

Before hip replacement surgery, your doctors will evaluate you carefully. They’ll explain the procedure and how you can best prepare for surgery and recovery.

Prehab & Joint Academy: gearing up for surgery

We might recommend physical and logistical preparation before surgery. To help you with this, we offer two programs: Prehab, which is rehabilitation you do before surgery, and our educational Joint Academy.

Prehab helps you physically prepare for surgery. During Prehab, you will:

• Plan ways to temporarily get around with a cane or walker
• Do strengthening exercises to help prep your body for surgery
• Stop smoking before surgery to give your body the best chance to heal

Joint Academy is an educational class that usually occurs in a group setting at one of our locations. When you attend Joint Academy, you’ll learn:

• More about the surgery you’re going to have, including what to expect before, during and after the procedure
• How to prepare your home ahead of time
• How to select and prepare a care partner who can assist you
• What you can expect on the day of surgery, including arrival at the hospital, getting ready for surgery and recovery

Read more about Aurora Joint Academy.

After your hip replacement surgery

Different people heal at different rates, and different procedures require different recoveries. Our teams often use slow-release anesthetics (pain relievers) to help you recover more comfortably.

After hip surgery, you may stay in the hospital overnight or for one to two days. Your Aurora doctors and therapists will work closely with you to develop a personalized recovery plan.

If you need additional care following discharge from the hospital, Aurora Health at Home services offer in-home nursing and physical therapy. Our certified nurses and home health care professionals can help you transition back to your regular schedule in the days and weeks following surgery.

Learn more about Aurora Health at Home.

Rehabilitation and recovery

Most people continue physical therapy for a few weeks or months after hip surgery. You can access physical therapy at our numerous locations throughout eastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois. Learn about orthopedic physical therapy.

What is the approximate hip replacement recovery time?

The approximate hip replacement recovery time varies depending on what hip replacement surgery you have and other factors. You’ll most likely resume regular activities within about six weeks and be back to full strength after about six months.

Minimally invasive procedures may have even faster recovery times. After direct anterior hip replacement, some people resume light work within just a few weeks.

How long will a hip replacement last?

The hip replacement itself is likely to last 10 to 20 years. The actual lifespan of the replacement hip joint will depend on many factors, like your diet, activity levels and overall health, as well as changing technology.

After hip surgery and recovery, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions closely. Taking your time with rehabilitation and reporting any problems to your care team will help you have the most successful recovery possible.