Total Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgery is a treatment option for many patients with severe hip pain that is not relieved by medication, walking aids, physical therapy or other non-surgical methods. Advances in techniques and technology over the years have made hip replacement an effective procedure for relieving hip pain and restoring joint movement.

Conditions that often lead to severe damage of the hip joint, causing severe hip pain that may be treated by hip replacement surgery include:

Hip replacement surgery, also referred to as hip arthoplasty, is performed to repair a damaged or worn hip with an artificial joint known as a prosthesis.

Total Hip Replacement

The most common procedure is known as total hip replacement. The femoral head (the ball-shaped portion of the thighbone that fits into the hip’s natural socket) is replaced with a prosthetic femoral head that is attached to a stem within the bone. The acetabulum (or socket) is resurfaced as well, so the prosthetic femoral head moves within a prosthetic socket.

Hip Resurfacing

Another option for select, highly active patients is hip resurfacing. The socket is replaced in a similar way, but the femoral head is maintained and a metal cap is placed over it instead of completely removing it.

Whether you’re selecting an orthopedic surgeon or simply searching for more information, our practice includes several orthopedic surgeons who specialize in hip conditions and treatments, and we are here to help.

Why Choose Hip Replacement Surgery?

Patients who choose hip replacement surgery often suffer from:

• Hip pain that occurs during normal activities such as bending or walking


• Hip pain that persists while an individual is at rest


• Hip stiffness that hinders movement of the leg

Choosing hip replacement surgery is a big decision that typically involves you and your family, with guidance from your primary care doctor and orthopedic surgeon. The decision-making process starts with a primary care referral to an orthopedic surgeon. When you choose Dickson-Diveley Orthopaedics, one of our highly trained orthopedic hip surgeons will conduct an initial evaluation to better understand your condition. After a complete review of your results, your surgeon will then discuss whether hip surgery is the best treatment option for you.

Your hip surgeon’s recommendations will be based on your individual circumstances. Most patients who choose hip replacement surgery are between the ages of 50 and 80, but the procedure can be performed at all ages.