Hip

If you're living with chronic hip pain that limits your mobility and affects your quality of life, you're not alone. Total hip replacement surgery is one of the most effective procedures available to relieve pain and restore function in people with severe hip arthritis or joint damage. As a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement I’m here to help you understand what this surgery involves and how it could benefit you.

Total hip replacement, also known as total hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which a damaged hip joint is replaced with a prosthetic implant. This typically includes:

• A new socket placed into the pelvis
• A metal or ceramic ball replacing the damaged femoral head
• A stem inserted into the thigh bone to support the ball

These components work together to restore smooth, pain-free movement in the hip joint.

The most common reason is osteoarthritis, a wear-and-tear condition that breaks down cartilage in the joint. Other reasons include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Post-traumatic arthritis from a prior injury
• Avascular necrosis (bone death due to poor blood supply)
• Hip fractures that can’t be repaired effectively

If conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy, or injections no longer provide relief, surgery may be the next step.

Hip replacement is typically performed under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia with sedation. Most procedures take 1.5 to 2 hours. Thanks to modern minimally invasive techniques and pain management strategies, many patients go home the same day or within 24 hours of surgery.

Post-surgery, you'll begin walking with a walker or cane almost immediately, and gradually regain mobility over the next few weeks with the help of physical therapy.

• Week 1-2: Managing pain, walking with assistance
• Week 3-6: Transitioning to independent walking, improving strength
• Week 6-12: Resuming most daily activities, including driving
• 3-6 Months: Full recovery for most patients

Most people experience dramatic pain relief and return to an active lifestyle.

Thanks to durable materials like ceramic, titanium, and polyethylene, today’s hip implants can last 20 years or more. Avoiding high-impact activities helps preserve the life of the implant.

Like all surgeries, hip replacement carries risks, including infection, blood clots, dislocation, and implant wear. These are rare, and we take every step to minimize them through pre-op screening, modern surgical techniques, and thorough follow-up care.

If hip pain is limiting your ability to walk, sleep, or enjoy daily life, it might be time to talk to a specialist. We’ll evaluate your condition, review your imaging, and create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your goals.

If you're considering total hip replacement in the Kirkland or greater Seattle area, I invite you to schedule a consultation with me. Together, we'll determine the best path forward so you can get back to doing what you love—without pain.