Hip replacement surgery can help you get back to the activities you love. If hip pain makes it hard to walk, sit or rest comfortably, your doctor may recommend this treatment.

Hip replacement surgery replaces damaged parts of your hip to reduce pain and improve movement.

If your provider recommends hip replacement, you should know:

• Hip replacement surgery is common.
• Hip replacement usually relieves pain and gets people back to regular activities.
• Many people go home the same day as surgery.
• New techniques mean less pain and faster healing.

What is hip replacement surgery?

In hip replacement surgery, your doctor removes damaged bone and cartilage from the hip joint. The doctor then replaces them with new metal, plastic or ceramic parts that work like a healthy hip.

Doctors have done hip replacements since the 1960s. At OHSU, we do thousands of hip replacement surgeries each year. Our surgeons are among the best in the country, with fellowship (advanced specialty) training.

When is hip replacement recommended?

Arthritis is the most common reason for hip replacement. Several types can damage your hip:

• Osteoarthritis: This "wear and tear" type of arthritis happens when the smooth covering on your hip bones wears away over time. Bones start rubbing together, causing pain, stiffness and trouble moving your hip. This is the most common type of hip arthritis.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: In this condition, your body's defense system attacks your joints by mistake. This causes pain, swelling and stiffness in your hip. 
• Post-traumatic arthritis: This can happen after a broken hip or other injury. Damage to the cartilage leads to pain and stiffness.
• Osteonecrosis: An injury can cut off blood supply to the hip bone. Without enough blood, the bone can collapse. 
• Childhood hip problems: Some people are born with hip problems or have them as children. Even if treated, these problems can cause arthritis later in life.

Your provider may recommend treatments such as physical therapy or steroid shots before considering hip replacement. But your doctor may recommend surgery if you have:

• Hip pain that affects everyday activities like walking or bending
• Hip pain when you are resting
• Trouble moving or lifting your leg
• Little relief from nonsurgical treatments

Learn more about treatments for hip pain.

How hip replacement surgery works

• You'll get medicine to prevent pain. You might be asleep or numb from the waist down.
• Your surgeon removes the damaged top part of your thigh bone near your hip joint and replaces it with a new artificial part.
• The doctor replaces the damaged hip socket.
• Your surgeon replaces the damaged cartilage with an artificial liner to protect the new joint.

Doctors do hip replacement in different ways. We offer robotic joint replacement surgery at OHSU. We are also experts in traditional joint replacement surgery. Your OHSU provider will talk with you about the best option for your situation.

Traditional hip replacement

In traditional hip replacement, your surgeon:

• Makes a 10- to 12-inch cut on the side of the hip
• Splits or detaches muscles to fully view the hip joint
• Removes damaged bone and cartilage
• Places the new hip parts

Minimally invasive hip replacement

In a minimally invasive hip replacement, your surgeon uses:

• One or two small cuts on the front, back or side of the hip
• Smaller surgical instruments and a small camera
• The same implants as traditional surgery

Your surgeon will use the least invasive type that works for you. We use precise scans to create a digital template for your hip replacement. This helps your new joint fit as well as possible.

How long does hip replacement surgery take?

It takes about 2 hours for your surgeon to remove the damaged tissue and place the implant. OHSU uses the CORI robot, with technology that helps your surgeon:

• Map your hip in 3D during surgery
• Plan based on your anatomy
• Position parts precisely for your body
• Save more healthy bone and tissue

OHSU doctors are national leaders in joint replacement surgery, with experience in both robotic techniques and traditional surgery. We can match you with the best option.

How to prepare for hip replacement surgery

Your care team will help you prepare based on your type of hip replacement. You will see our pre-surgery team to make sure you are healthy enough for surgery. This usually includes:

• Blood tests and heart tests
• A review of all medicines and supplements you take

You may also need a dental checkup to prevent infections after surgery, and treatment for diabetes or heart problems.

Our team will help you plan for recovery at home. Basic home preparation includes:

• Making sure you have grab bars in the shower and railings on all steps
• Removing area rugs
• Setting up a bed on the main floor of your home, if possible
• Stocking up on food and arranging for help at home

Recovering from hip replacement surgery

Recovery starts right away. In the hospital, you can expect:

• Medicine and instructions to reduce pain and discomfort
• Care to prevent blood clots
• A physical therapist to teach you exercises
• Instructions on caring for your surgical cut

Exercise is important for recovery. During your recovery, you will:

• Do physical therapy exercises at home
• Walk a little further each day — indoors at first
• Work on climbing stairs safely
• Practice daily activities

To keep your hip replacement working as well as possible:

• Keep a healthy weight
• Stay active
• Take antibiotics before dental work
• See your doctor as scheduled

Most people see the surgeon 10 to 14 days after surgery in a virtual (online) appointment. Then you come to the clinic 5 or 6 weeks after surgery. Your doctor will examine your hip and take X-rays.

Most people can return to activities they enjoy, including walking, swimming, golf, hiking, biking and dancing. Ask your doctor about specific activities.

When to call your doctor after surgery

Call your doctor if you notice:

• Fever over 100 degrees
• Surgery area turns redder
• Surgery area leaking fluid
• Sudden increase in pain
• Chest pain or trouble breathing
• Lower leg pain or swelling

Learn more about hip replacement surgery

• Preparing for Surgery at OHSU
• Total Hip Replacement, American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
• Total Hip Replacement Exercise Guide, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons