Your natural hip is a ball and socket. A hip replacement is a metal ball in a plastic socket. The device replaces the worn, rough, arthritic surfaces of your hip bones, allowing you to move easily and without pain.

Are there any risks?

Because on ongoing technical advances, the risk of complications from hip replacement is very low. Infection rates are 1% or less because of antibiotics given before surgery. Significant blood clots after surgery are also quite uncommon. The national average of patients having successful results approaches 95%.

Should my hip be cemented?

Cement has been used for hip replacement for 20 years with generally excellent results and predictable durability. At Shoreline Orthopaedic, the femoral stem is cemented and the socket is usually press-fitted. If you are less than 60 years old and if your bone is extremely healthy, a non-cemented femoral implant may be used. For most patients, cement is more reliable for pain relief.

How long will I be in the hospital?

Most patients go home in about 3-4 days. While you are still in the hospital you will begin exercises to strengthen the muscles around your new hip and to help you regain a more normal hip motion.

How long is recuperation?

After discharge, your progress will continue with a home exercise program. A physical therapist may be needed, at your doctor's discretion for further rehabilitation. You will use a walker for the first six weeks and then a cane for two to four weeks. Operation of a motor vehicle will also be at the discretion of your physician.

Within 8-12 weeks, most patients enjoy unlimited walking, bowling, golfing, shuffleboarding, dancing, gardening and low resistance bicycling. More active sports, such as singles tennis and jogging are not recommended.

Will I need blood?

To reduce or eliminate exposure to hepatitis or AIDS, you may need to donate one or two pints of blood before surgery. At the time of your operation, your stored blood will be given back to you if transfusion becomes necessary.

What about pain?

Thanks to advances in medication technology, we are able to keep you very comfortable after surgery - without the groggy, foggy, 'not-in-control' feeling sometimes associated with narcotics. Any temporary discomfort usually does not compare to the pain endured in the months before surgery.

Are there any alternatives to hip replacement?

We recommend surgery only after careful diagnosis of your hip problem. If you have severe pain when walking, limited hip motion, hip stiffness or night pain, chances are your hip bones are grating together because of advanced arthritis. It is not likely that anti-inflammatory drugs or cortisone injections will give you the some long-term relief as hip replacement.

How should I schedule surgery?

After you notify your doctor that you have made the decision to proceed with surgery, the surgery coordinator at Shoreline Orthopaedics will make all the necessary arrangements. She will schedule the surgery and any other required pre-operative testing and will let you know all the details.

What is the cost?

As Medicare participating physicians, the doctors at Shoreline Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Clinic, PLC accept the amount of Medicare approves for knee replacement. The hospital also accepts Medicare assignment.