Damage to the hips due to degenerative conditions such as arthritis or physical trauma can cause severe pain, lead to immobility, and limit one’s ability to walk or climb stairs. Doctors may recommend hip replacement surgery to remove and replace portions of the pelvis and thigh bone, which form the hip joint. The procedure is usually recommended for those experiencing hip pain and stiff joints, even after undergoing other kinds of treatment.

Types of procedures
The three common types of hip replacement surgery are:

Total hip replacement surgery: Also known as arthroplasty, this is the most common hip replacement procedure. Here, doctors remove the damaged joints on both sides of the hip and replace them with artificial implants. A durable plastic cup may be used to replace the socket, and a ceramic or a metal alloy ball may replace the head of the femur. Here, the surgeon fixes the metallic ball into the top of the femur by inserting a metallic stem.

Partial hip replacement: Also known as hemiarthroplasty, the procedure is conducted on just one side of the hip.

Hip resurfacing: Here, doctors trim and cap the femoral head instead of removing it.

Preparing for surgery
If doctors have recommended hip replacement surgery, one can start preparing by learning more about the procedure. Learn about the expected hip replacement recovery time, materials used for the implants, potential side effects and risks, and post-surgery care. One should plan to take some time off from work or make arrangements to get support at home to recover from the procedure. Patients may have to rearrange their furniture as they may be unable to bend for some time. They may also be ready to use crutches or walkers and remove any hurdles or obstructions in their way. Here are some steps one should take:

• Understand the material used for the implants and what is best suited for them
• Talk to a physical therapist to learn exercises one can start doing before the surgery
• Improve one’s health by exercising and building upper body strength
• Try using crutches or a walker before surgery so that they don’t have trouble using the aides after surgery
• Communicate with friends and family who can support them during hospitalization and post-surgery

Hospitalization and recovery time
One may have to stay in the hospital for three to five days when undergoing hip replacement surgery. After surgery, doctors may recommend various prescription treatments to control the pain. Once the patient is moved to their personal room, doctors will assign a physical therapist within 24 hours to start rehabilitation. One will have to start with physical therapy to begin walking and resume normal activities as soon as possible. The therapist will also discuss the exercises one must take up after getting discharged. Doctors will prepare a schedule for follow-up visits. The frequency of the visits may vary depending on the type of surgery, age, and overall health condition. The normal hip replacement recovery time ranges from 3 to 6 months. The patient will notice signs of improvement throughout the first year after surgery. One should strictly follow the doctor’s instructions and avoid bending unnecessarily or engaging in high-impact activities like serious sports or running.

Suitable exercises
Physical therapy and exercises are crucial components of rehabilitation for a complete recovery after a hip replacement procedure. One should not go for an exercise that their physical therapist has not approved. Here is a total hip replacement exercise guide that one can follow after discussing it with their doctor or physical therapist:

Ankle pumps
Quad Sets
Gluteal sets
Abduction and adduction
Heel slides
Short quads
Knee extension: long arc quads
Standing heel raises
Standing knee flexion
Standing rocks

Alternatives
Arthritis is one of the common causes of joint damage, and as it affects older adults, they may be reluctant or be concerned about a total hip replacement surgery or its side effects like blood clots, differences in the length of the leg, dislocation, fracture during surgery, infection, and loosening of the new joint after surgery. The procedure could also carry the risk of damaged implants and nerve damage. So, doctors may also suggest the following alternatives to hip replacement surgery under very specific cases:

Non-invasive methods: Doctors may suggest treatment options like mobility aids, physical therapy, prescription options, and joint strengthening supplements.
Resection arthroplasty: The procedure is recommended for those with severe mobility issues.
Hip osteotomy: This procedure involves realignment of the thigh bone, pelvis bone, or both.
Regenerative treatment option: An approach that can repair the damaged tissues in the joints.
Stem cell therapy: Here, the doctor collects stem cells from one’s body and combines them with platelet-rich plasma, inserting them into the hip joint to repair the damaged cells and reduce inflammation.