What Is Total Hip Replacement?
Your hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball is the upper end of the thighbone (femoral head) and the socket is part of the pelvis (acetabulum). When arthritis wears away the cartilage covering these surfaces, movement becomes painful and stiff. In a total hip replacement, the surgeon removes the damaged ball and resurfaces the socket, then places a new socket, liner, ball and stem that allow the joint to move smoothly again.
Our surgeons use more than one approach, chosen for your anatomy and needs:
- Direct anterior and mini-posterior approaches. Dr. Martin performs both. These muscle-sparing techniques aim to limit disruption of the muscles around the hip.
- FASTREC, Dr. Martin's fast-recovery pathway, which plans preparation, anesthesia, pain control and early walking together.
- Robotic-assisted options. Dr. Kerr trained on the MAKO, ROSA and CORI robotic-assisted systems, which can help plan and position the implant. Availability depends on the facility.
- P3, Dr. Martin's optional concierge program for hip and knee care.
Dr. Martin's site explains FASTREC and muscle-sparing hip replacement in depth. This page is the practice-level overview.
Performed at a hospital or outpatient surgery center where our surgeons operate, with pre-op evaluation, imaging and physical therapy here in our Boynton Beach office.
Who Is a Candidate?
You may be a candidate if hip arthritis causes groin, thigh or buttock pain that limits walking, putting on shoes and socks, getting in and out of a car or sleeping, and if X-rays show significant joint damage. Hip replacement is also used for some other conditions that damage the joint, such as loss of blood supply to the ball of the hip (avascular necrosis).
Our surgeons generally begin with non-surgical care: activity changes, weight management, medication when safe for you, physical therapy and image-guided injections. Surgery becomes a reasonable choice when those no longer give you enough relief. Your overall health and goals matter as much as your X-rays.
What to Expect
Your evaluation includes an exam and X-rays in our Boynton Beach office, and sometimes an MRI. Our on-site physical therapists can start a pre-surgery program so you are stronger going in and already know your exercises. Prescribe FIT, a virtual lifestyle program offered through a partnership, is another option to help with surgical readiness.
Surgery usually takes about one to two hours under spinal or general anesthesia. Many patients stand and walk with help on the day of surgery. Depending on your health and the facility, you may go home the same day or after one or two nights.
Risks and Side Effects
Hip replacement is a common and well-established operation, but it carries risks. These include infection, blood clots, dislocation of the new joint, a difference in leg length, nerve or blood vessel injury, fracture of the bone around the implant, loosening or wear over time, and anesthesia risks. Your surgeon will explain the precautions used for your approach, such as blood clot prevention and any movement guidelines.
Recovery
Recovery varies. Many patients use a walker or cane for the first few days to weeks. Driving is often possible between two and six weeks once you are off opioid medication and can control the car safely. Most people return to normal daily activities within six weeks to three months, with strength and endurance improving for several months after that.
Physical therapy in our office helps you regain strength, balance and a normal walking pattern. Your therapist and surgeon share your chart and adjust the plan together.
Physical therapy happens in our office, with therapists who share your chart. Learn about on-site physical therapy.
Insurance and Cost
Hip replacement for arthritis is usually covered by Medicare and most commercial PPO plans when it is medically necessary, often with prior authorization. HMO and managed-care plans require a referral from your primary care physician before your visit. Co-pays, co-insurance and deductibles apply. P3 concierge benefits are not covered by insurance, though the medical care is billed as usual. Call our office and our team will verify your benefits.
When to Talk to a Specialist
Schedule an evaluation if hip or groin pain limits walking, makes daily tasks hard or disturbs your sleep, especially if it has not improved with several months of treatment. After surgery, go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have fever, spreading redness or drainage from the incision, or if your hip suddenly gives way and you cannot bear weight. Call our office the same day about new calf pain or swelling after surgery; if you cannot reach us, go to the emergency room. Call 911 for sudden shortness of breath or chest pain.
