Total Hip Replacement

Consider total hip replacement if you have severe arthritis and it affects your mobility. Kevin M. Moran, MD, in The Woodlands, Texas,  is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Moran has over 20 years of experience performing total hip replacement. Dr. Moran uses a surgical approach which has a very low complication rate. Call Kevin M. Moran, MD, today to schedule a total hip replacement consultation, or book your appointment online.

My hip hurts. Can I benefit from a total hip replacement?

Your hips are ball-and-socket joints that are essential to balance and stability. It’s normal to experience hip pain or stiffness occasionally, but seeking treatment is crucial if your symptoms continue for over a few days.

Dr. Moran usually recommends conservative care for hip pain. But, if you have arthritis –– a group of diseases that cause chronic joint inflammation –– you might benefit from total hip replacement surgery. Osteoarthritis is a condition where the protective cartilage on the end of the bone wears out. Ball and socket hip joint arthritis present as groin pain and decreased range of motion. Patients usually present with a characteristic limp.

Who should consider total hip replacement?

Consider total hip replacement at Kevin M. Moran, MD, if you have:

• Hip stiffness that limits your mobility
• Hip pain that affects daily activities, like walking or bending
• Hip pain that continues during rest
• Inadequate relief from conservative treatments, like pain medication, weight loss or use of a cane

After an exam and x-rays, Dr. Moran can make personalized treatment recommendations.

How do I prepare for total hip replacement?

If Dr. Moran determines you can benefit from total hip replacement, he completes a preoperative physical. This test ensures you’re healthy enough to have surgery and recover with minimal complications.

Dr. Moran might ask you to lose weight before surgery to assist in your recovery. You might also need to stop taking some prescription medication. Certain drug classes, like blood thinners and anti-inflammatory medications, increase the risk of bruising and bleeding, so you will need to stop taking them before surgery.

What does total hip replacement involve?

The procedure is performed in the hospital under general anesthesia that puts you to sleep. Then an incision is made over the hip joint, and surgical tools are used to remove the diseased or damaged tissue. He replaces your joint with a prosthetic joint, which is a metal and plastic hip joint, restoring the function and alignment of your hip.

After surgery, he closes the incision, and you are moved to a recovery room. You stay in the hospital for at least one night so Dr. Moran can monitor your recovery.

What is recovery like after total hip replacement?

After total hip replacement surgery, follow Dr. Moran’s instructions. In general, it takes about 6 weeks to be about 80% recovered and about 3 months to be totally recovered. Take your medications as directed, attend your physical therapy sessions, and keep your surgical wounds clean and dry. Adhering to these guidelines can reduce your risk of complications and speed up your recovery.

Call Kevin M. Moran, MD, today to schedule a total hip replacement appointment, or book your visit online.