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Joint replacement

Hip Replacement

Hip arthritis often causes groin or thigh pain, stiffness, difficulty putting on shoes and socks, and reduced walking tolerance. Hip replacement may be considered when these symptoms remain significant despite nonsurgical care.

Understanding the Procedure

During total hip replacement, the damaged ball-and-socket surfaces are replaced with prosthetic components. For appropriate patients, PBNJ may use Mako robotic-arm assisted technology with CT-based 3D planning to help the surgeon plan component position and execute the procedure within defined boundaries.

Who May Be a Candidate?

A recommendation for surgery is based on the whole clinical picture, not one symptom or X-ray alone. Factors commonly considered include:

  • Persistent hip or groin pain
  • Loss of motion or difficulty with walking and daily activities
  • Imaging showing advanced joint damage
  • Symptoms that have not improved enough with appropriate nonsurgical treatment

Before Surgery

Your evaluation typically includes a medical history, physical examination and imaging. The team will review treatment options, medications, medical optimization, preparation for home, and what to expect after surgery. If surgery is selected, your plan is individualized to your health and functional goals.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Recovery is progressive. Early goals usually include safe mobility, pain and swelling control, and gradually restoring function. Physical therapy and home exercises are tailored to the procedure and patient. The timing of driving, work, exercise and other activities varies, so follow the instructions provided by your surgeon and therapy team.

Common questions

What Patients Often Ask

How soon will I walk after hip replacement?

Mobilization often begins early after surgery, but the timing and use of an assistive device depend on the individual patient and surgeon's instructions.

How do I know whether I need replacement?

The decision is based on your symptoms, examination, imaging, response to nonsurgical care, health and goals. An office evaluation is the best way to determine which options are reasonable.

How long is recovery?

There is no single recovery timeline that applies to everyone. Your procedure, health, home situation, rehabilitation progress and activity goals all matter.

Next step

Make an Informed Decision

A consultation is an opportunity to review your imaging, discuss nonsurgical and surgical options, and understand the expected benefits, risks and recovery before deciding how to proceed.

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Educational information only. Diagnosis, treatment recommendations, surgical risks and recovery expectations are individualized and should be discussed with your orthopedic surgeon.

Preparing for Hip Replacement

Your evaluation reviews pain, mobility, imaging, nonsurgical options and medical readiness. Discuss medications, home support and physical therapy with the care team.

For selected procedures, CT-based Mako planning may assist the surgeon. The technology does not replace surgical judgment or guarantee outcomes.

Hip Replacement Recovery Questions

Walking and rehabilitation generally begin early when medically appropriate, but activity restrictions and milestones vary.

Ask your surgeon about driving, work, stairs, precautions and signs of complications for your individual procedure.

Request an Orthopedic Consultation   Meet Dr. Smires

Hip Replacement — Procedure Animation

View Arthrex patient education animation ↗

Educational illustration only. Techniques vary by patient and procedure; ask your surgeon which approach is appropriate.

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