Hip Replacement Surgery at Providence Medical Center
Award-winning Joint Center is in Kansas City, Kan.
First performed in 1960, hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful
operations in medicine. Since that time, improvements in joint replacement
surgical techniques and technology have greatly increased the effectiveness
of total hip replacement. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research
and Quality, more than 285,000 total hip replacements are performed each
year in the United States.
Most patients have a hip replacement because they are suffering with hip
pain. This pain often is caused by some form of arthritis. Your doctor
may recommend a hip replacement if your pain limits your everyday activities,
continues while resting, limits the ability to lift your leg, or cannot
be treated with anti-inflammatory medicines or physical therapy.
The decision to have hip replacement surgery should be a cooperative one
made by you, your family, your primary care doctor, and your orthopedic
surgeon. The process of making this decision typically begins with a referral
from your doctor to an orthopedic surgeon for an initial evaluation.
Recommendations for surgery are based on your pain and disability. Most
patients who undergo total hip replacement are between the ages of 50
to 80, but orthopedic surgeons evaluate patients individually. Total hip
replacements have been performed successfully at all ages.
During a total hip replacement (also called total hip arthroplasty), the
damaged bone and cartilage is removed and replaced with prosthetic components.
These components may be made of metal, ceramic or plastic. Screws or cement
are sometimes used to hold the hip socket in place.
Patients who take part in the Providence Joint Center program typically
spend three to four days in the hospital, then return home to continue
their recovery. Many participate in the Providence Outpatient Rehabilitation
program, which can speed their return to daily activities.
For more information about hip replacement surgery at Providence Medical Center, schedule an appointment with one of the Providence orthopedic surgeons at 913-596-3940.