Total Hip Replacement Surgery
Whether you need a total or partial hip replacement, our expert orthopedic team is here to help you regain mobility, reduce pain and get you back to the activities you love. Ready to take the next step in your care? Call us at (757) 534-9988 to schedule a consultation or schedule your appointment online.
Who We Are and What We Do for You
Comprehensive Care for Your Hip Replacement Procedure
At Riverside, total hip replacement means more than surgery – it means you have a team committed to your recovery. From fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons and board-certified anesthesiologists to specialized physical therapists, every part of your care is coordinated to ensure the best outcomes. Our team approach ensures you have access to advanced imaging, thorough pre-surgical evaluations and personalized recovery plans, so you can move forward with confidence knowing that we’ll guide you through every step.
Understanding the Anatomy of the Hip
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint where the top of the thigh bone, or the femoral head, sits neatly in the pelvic socket, or acetabulum. This joint is cushioned by smooth, slick cartilage and lubricated by fluid, allowing you to walk, bend and move with ease.
When conditions such as arthritis begin to damage the cartilage, that smooth gliding surface breaks down. Instead of moving effortlessly, the bones may grind against each other, causing stiffness, pain and swelling. Over time, this damage can make everyday movements, like climbing stairs, getting in and out of a chair, or even taking short walks, more difficult.
What is a Total Hip Replacement?
When hip damage becomes too severe for conservative treatments, surgery may be recommended. The main surgical approach to treat this is a total hip replacement (total hip arthroplasty), using an anterior, posterior or lateral approach. Treatment options depend on the underlying condition, the patient’s activity level and the extent of joint damage.
In a total hip replacement, both the ball of the thigh bone (femoral head) and the socket of the pelvis (acetabulum) are replaced with prosthetic components made of metal, ceramic or durable plastic. This procedure is the most common type of hip replacement and is often recommended for patients with widespread osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis or severe joint deformities. Because both parts of the joint are replaced, total hip replacement offers long-lasting pain relief and improved mobility.
A typical recovery timeline for this procedure most often involves same- or next-day hospital discharge, walking with assistance within a day or two and a return to most daily activities within 6–12 weeks. Maximum recovery often takes 6–12 months, depending on age, overall health and activity level.
Total Hip Replacement Surgery Explained by Dr. Valaik
Dr. Daniel Valaik, Chief of Orthopedic Surgery at Riverside, discusses the team approach that the total joint team takes to ensure patients receive comprehensive care before, during and after their procedure. To learn more about Dr. Valaik or to schedule your appointment with a Riverside orthopedic specialist visit riversideonline.com/schedule or call 757-534-9988.
Still Have Questions About Total Hip Replacement Surgery?
Our team of total joint specialists can help! Call us at (757) 534-9988 for additional information or to schedule your appointment today.