Hip Replacement

If one or both of your hips have been damaged by arthritis, a fracture or other conditions, you know how painful it can be just to get through the day. Even common activities such as walking and getting up from a chair may cause discomfort.

Hip replacement surgery at WellSpan is a safe and effective procedure that can relieve your pain, increase your range of motion, and—most importantly—get you back to the activities you used to enjoy.

Our approach to hip replacement treatments involves not just you and your physician. We tap a whole network of relationships to help you achieve your desired outcomes—the entire WellSpan care team, other providers, community resources, and your family and co-workers.

We customize our treatments to your unique health condition and goals. Whatever you hope to accomplish as a result of your hip replacement, you can count on WellSpan to give you the best possible chance at success.

Conditions Treated

Many conditions can lead to the need for a hip replacement, including:

Osteoarthritis
Labral tear
Radiating pain from the back
Snapping hip
Tendinitis

Your WellSpan Orthopedics physician will be able to give you more information about your specific health condition and treatment options during consultation.

How We Can Help

Your doctor may discuss hip replacement surgery if your hip joints are severely damaged and if therapy, medication and lifestyle modification have not relieved your pain.

During a hip replacement, your surgeon will cut away damaged bone and cartilage around your hip. Typically, the surgeon will make an incision several inches long to access the bone.

The damaged bone and cartilage will be removed and replaced with an artificial joint. This joint is made up of a stem that is placed into the femur, a ball that fits into the stem, and a cup, which is inserted into the socket of the hip joint.

Newer, more minimally invasive approaches to hip surgery are now available. These procedures have added benefits of a shorted hospital stay and faster recovery, but are not suited for every patient. Your doctor will discuss which surgical option is best for you.

Recovery from hip replacement surgery can vary based on each individual’s health prior to surgery, other medical conditions that may be present and your commitment to rehab. Your doctor and team will work closely with you before your surgery so that you can know what to expect before, during and after your procedure.

Rehab and exercises are an important part of your recovery. Your team will ask that you begin moving your leg soon after surgery. As you continue to recover, a therapist will begin working with you to help you regain and build strength after surgery. Learn more about rehabilitation at WellSpan.