When it’s time for a total hip replacement, it’s important to choose a surgical team that will choose the best hip implant and the best approach to relieve your hip pain and disability.
The Indiana Joint Replacement Institute is led by Dr. R. Michael Meneghini, a nationally renowned total joint surgeon who has over 17 years of surgical experience and participates in orthopaedic research to improve surgical techniques and improve outcomes for patients. The board certified hip and knee replacement surgeons at the Indiana Joint Replacement Institute have extensive experience with all total hip replacement approaches. We’ve thoroughly researched the benefits of each surgery, and will utilize the safest technology and surgical approach for each patient.
Our dedicated hip and knee replacement team follows each patient through their experience ─ from evaluation, to surgery, through recovery. We treat everyone the way we would treat our own family, taking the time to explain the benefits of each surgical approach, computer assisted technologies and outpatient surgery options.
If you would like to schedule a consultation with a member of the Indiana Joint Replacement Institute team, please call 317-620-0232 or book an appointment online.
Anatomy of the Hip
- The hip is one of the largest joints in the body.
- It is a ball-and-socket joint, with a ball-shaped head at the upper end of the femur (thighbone) that fits into a socket in the pelvic bone.
- Cartilage covers the bones in the joint to allow it to move smoothly.
- A thin tissue, called the synovial membrane, surrounds the joint and secretes a small amount of fluid to reduce friction.
- Ligaments hold the “ball” portion of the joint in the socket.
Arthritis can damage the cartilage that lines the joint to the point that it wears away completely and the bones rub together. This creates pain and stiffness that affects quality of life.
Am I a Candidate For Total Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip joint pain caused by arthritis can impact your hip to the point that everyday activities like getting in and out of a chair, putting on your shoes, or even walking becomes difficult. The hip can become very stiff, and may even be uncomfortable and painful while you are resting. If nonsurgical treatment methods, including medication and physical therapy, fail to relieve hip pain, surgery may be an option.
A thorough medical evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, X-rays, and other diagnostic imaging tests is needed to determine the extent of damage and if you are a good candidate for total hip replacement.
Total Hip Replacement Procedure
Total hip replacement surgery involves removing damaged portions of the hip joint and replacing them with prosthetic components designed to mimic the natural joint. The ball at the upper end of the thighbone is removed and replaced with a metal or ceramic ball component with a stem attachment that is inserted into the thighbone.
- Damaged cartilage is removed from the socket which is replaced with a metal or ceramic socket.
- The socket is lined with a plastic cup that facilitates ease of movement.
- Cementless implants have a textured, or porous, surface that encourages bone growth to hold the implants in place.
- Cemented implants, which are held in place using bone cement, are typically used for patients who have poor bone quality.
Indiana Joint Replacement Institute surgeons use the same setup ─ including equipment, team, technology, and implants ─ to do total hip replacements in either an ambulatory surgery center or a hospital setting, where patients can stay overnight if necessary.
We consider medical condition, home situation, and social support factors to determine if a patient will be able to go home the day of surgery.
The Right Hip Replacement for Each Patient
- Regardless of the approach, total hip replacements have about a 95% success rate for alleviating pain, restoring function and improving quality of life for up to 20 years or more.
- Our extensive research in total hip replacement procedures guides our mutual decision-making process. We will recommend what is right for each patient.
- Research shows that using a direct anterior (front), lateral (side) or posterior (rear) approach makes little to no difference in how quickly people recover.
The bottom line: Choose your surgeon for their skill, and let them choose the best approach for you.
Recovering from Total Hip Replacement Surgery
Great surgical protocols facilitate great outcomes. The Indiana Joint Replacement Institute does everything we can to help patients recover quickly.
- We maximize efficiency to minimize surgical time and reduce the risk of blood loss and infection.
- We utilize advanced technology, including larger femoral heads and dual mobility bearings to make the hip more stable.
- Most patients recover in four – six weeks by walking and utilizing physical therapy, if needed.
- The goal of physical therapy, which may begin the day after surgery, is to strengthen the hip and restore movement and flexibility.
- Maintaining a light exercise program post-recovery will help retain strength and flexibility.
Special Arrangements
- At first, you may need help getting around your home.
- If you live alone, you may want to make arrangements to have someone assist you.
- Safeguard your home to avoid tripping hazards and prevent fractures and dislocation.
Post-operative restrictions
Hip replacements made with modern materials, including titanium and ceramic, can last up to 30 years when properly cared for. People with hip replacements cycle, swim, hike, ski, snowboard, rock climb, mountain climb ─ you name it. We generally advise against running, which puts a lot of pressure on the hip joint, and may decrease longevity of the implants.
Total Hip Replacement in Indiana
Indiana Joint Replacement Institute surgeons, led by Dr. R. Michael Meneghini, have extensive experience in total hip replacements, and are committed to utilizing the technology and approach that works best for each patient to relieve hip pain and disability.
Our hip and knee replacement team includes specially trained medical support specialists who assess and follow a patient’s progress from the initial evaluation to procedure, discharge and recovery.
All of our surgeons, who are board certified and fellowship trained in hip and knee replacement, value character, integrity, and perspective as much as technical skill, and we are committed to treating each patient as if they are a member of our own family.
To schedule a consultation with a member of the Indiana Joint Replacement Institute team, please call 317-620-0232 or book an appointment online.