Orthopaedics Menu Orthopaedics Hip Anterior Hip Replacement Patient Education Materials Caregiver Resources Hip Pain Hip Pain Treatment Options Nonsurgical Hip Pain Treatments Total Hip Replacement Hip Replacement - FAQs Hip Replacement Recovery Hip Surgical Options Hip Surgery Advancements Total Hip Replacement Chronic hip pain doesn’t just slow you down, it can impact your everyday activities, ability to work and overall quality of life. If non-surgical options haven’t helped relieve your hip pain, a total hip replacement may be your best option for getting back to moving better with less pain. The St. Elizabeth Orthopaedic team can help. What is a Total Hip Replacement? Your hip is a ball-and-socket joint. A ball at the end of the femur, the large bone of the upper leg, fits into a socket of the pelvis. Cartilage lines the ball and socket, allowing the joint to move smoothly. Conditions like arthritis, or an injury, such as a fracture can damage the joint’s bones or cartilage. That can cause grinding between the two surfaces, making movements like bending, walking and climbing stairs painful. Total hip replacement, also known as hip arthroplasty, replaces a worn out or damaged hip joint with an artificial joint, an implant. The ball portion of the implant is usually metal and the socket is usually plastic, a combination that allows the joint to move freely without grinding, reducing the pain for you. What to Expect with Hip Replacement Surgery If your surgeon thinks hip replacement is right for you, then you can look forward to moving easier, with less pain. Although implants don’t last forever, artificial hip joints typically last 15-20 years for most people. Our affiliated orthopaedic surgeons use advanced procedures and new technology, such as Radlink GPS to improve results and reduce risks associated with hip replacement surgery. Radlink GPS provides more accurate measurements for placing the new hip components, which means a better fit, more natural feel and less risk for pain and weakness. There are different hip surgery options. Our surgeons typically perform hip replacement surgery from the front of the thigh (anterior hip replacement), which is minimally invasive and allows for faster healing. You may be a candidate for same-day surgery or your condition may require a one-two night hospital stay. You and your surgeon will talk about which option is best for you. If possible, you’ll be up and walking the day of surgery. If you need more follow-up care or additional therapy, you may go to a skilled nursing facility for a period of time. Your rehabilitation and physical therapy are important to healing well and getting back to an active life with less pain. Our St. Elizabeth Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation specialists are with you every step of the way. Why the St. Elizabeth Total Joint Center? When it comes to excellence in total hip replacement surgery and care, St. Elizabeth Total Joint Center offers you a nationally recognized team of experts close to home. The center includes 36 patient suites, a spacious rehabilitation area and classroom for patient and family education. The difference at St. Elizabeth is we use advanced procedures and new technology, such as Radlink GPS to improve results and reduce risks associated with hip replacement surgery. Your orthopaedic care team consists of physicians, nurses, rehabilitation therapists, program coordinator, nurse managers and team leaders. Our focus is on you and helping you get back to an active life with less pain. Contact Us Do you think it is time for a hip replacement? Our physicians can provide a referral to one of our affiliated orthopaedic surgeons. For more information on surgical options, please contact us at askortho@stelizabeth.com. Leave Hip Pain Behind Get more information on how to download our free Guide to Total Hip Replacement. Download Meet Your Hip Surgeons Ronald Auer, MD Ryan Finnan, MD Matthew Grunkemeyer, MD Richard Hoblitzell, MD Matthew Hummel, MD Robert Pettit, MD Jonathon Spanyer, MD Brian Wissel, MD