A primer on hip replacement surgery

Through a hip replacement surgery, a doctor removes a painful hip joint due to arthritis and replaces it with an artificial joint that is usually constructed out of ceramic, metal, and very tough plastic.  The prosthesis will then help reduce pain and improve a patient’s mobility. 

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A hip replacement surgery is often considered when all other means to reduce pain have failed.  The procedure can be done by a surgeon either traditionally or by utilizing what is referred to as a minimally invasive method.  While both should be effective, the main difference they have is the size of the incision done on the patient.

General anesthesia will be administered to the patient to help the muscles relax.  Per usual, this will prevent the patient from experiencing any pain during the surgery, and leave them with no awareness of the procedure.  Some surgeons would opt for a spinal anesthetic to alleviate pain.

When both surgeon and patient decide to follow the traditional technique, an incision of 8 to 10 inches along the side of the hip will be done.  If following the new, minimally invasive method, the surgeon would make a cut or two, around 2 to 5 inches long.  This approach is said to lessen blood loss, ease pain after surgery, and quicken recovery.

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Regardless of the technique, it is crucial that only a skilled surgical team will be performing the procedure.  There is also the possibility of blood loss during the surgery. Thus, a patient can opt to donate their own blood before the procedure or a family member or a friend with a compatible blood type can make the donation.

In 2015,Dr. Ryan Shephard completed his residency in orthopedic surgery from McLaren Macomb in Mt. Clemens in Michigan. He received his medical degree from the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2010. For more information about Dr. Ryan Shephard, visit this page.