Hip Replacement Specialist

What is a hip replacement?

Hip replacement is an orthopedic surgery that replaces the joint in your hip with a prosthetic device. If your hip joint is severely damaged by disease, degeneration, or an injury, replacing it with surgery can relieve your pain and keep you mobile. 

Who can benefit from a hip replacement?

Hip replacement surgery isn’t the right option for everyone, and it’s rarely considered first. At Denver Metro Orthopedics, P.C., the providers typically review and recommend other nonsurgical options first before turning to a total hip replacement surgery. 

People with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and traumatic arthritis often make great candidates for hip replacement surgery. You might also benefit from replacing your hip joint with an artificial ball-and-socket prosthesis if you have a severe hip fracture. 

Of course, you’ll need to attend a consultation with Dr. Schwappach before getting any surgery or in-office procedure. Imaging tests like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans or X-rays can give them a detailed view of the damage within the hip and help them decide whether to move forward with hip replacement. 

What does hip replacement involve?

At Denver Metro Orthopedics, P.C., the doctor prioritizes modern, less invasive approaches to hip replacement surgery. This approach involves one or two small incisions that heal faster and require a shorter recovery time, but it’s not the best approach for all hip replacement cases. 

For your hip replacement surgery, you’re under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia to keep you comfortable. With general anesthesia, you’re fully asleep. Dr. Schwappach remove all of the damaged parts of the joint before placing the prosthesis. 

A hip prosthesis mimics the ball-and-socket structure of your natural hip joint. It’s made of biocompatible metal and ceramic materials that your body is unlikely to reject. Once the prosthetic is in place, your provider closes the incisions with stitches or staples.

How long does it take to recover after a hip replacement?

Right after your surgery, you might need to stay in the hospital for several days. Outpatient hip replacement, however, does not require a hospital stay. Soon after your surgery, you meet with a physical therapist, who helps you start moving the joint immediately. You also receive an exercise plan to follow at home.

Once at home during recovery, you must:

• Keep the surgical area dry and clean
• Take pain relief medications only as recommended by your providers
• Avoid driving until your providers tell you it’s fine to do so
• Use a cane or walker to safely restore your balance
• Remove rugs, electrical cords, and other objects on the floor that could trip you

A full recovery after hip replacement takes several months. Dr. Schwappach removes the stitches or staples during a follow-up visit and check-in with you regularly as you recover. You may contact him if you have any questions or concerns throughout the process. 

To see if you’re a good candidate for hip replacement surgery, reserve an appointment by phone or book online at any Denver Metro Orthopedics, P.C. location today.