Total Hip Replacement Surgeon in Erie, PA
Joint conditions such as arthritis may cause damage to the cartilage and bones leading to chronic pain in the hip and/or disability. The condition can be treated by replacing the damaged parts with artificial components. Dr. German provides expert diagnosis and hip replacement surgery in Erie, PA.
Dr. German also provides highly specialized care during and after surgery.
Contact Dr. German’s office for an appointment today!
What is Total Hip Replacement?
Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the hip joint and replaced with artificial components. The main indication for total hip replacement is arthritis.
Arthritis is the inflammation of joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness and limited movement. Hip arthritis is a common cause of chronic hip pain and disability.
Symptoms of Arthritis
The most common symptom of hip arthritis is joint pain and stiffness, resulting in a limited range of motion. Vigorous activity can increase pain and stiffness, which may cause limping while walking.
Diagnosis of Arthritis
Diagnosis is made by evaluating your medical history, performing a physical examination and taking X-rays of the arthritic joint.
Total Hip Replacement Procedure
Surgery may be recommended if conservative treatment options such as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy do not relieve your symptoms.
The surgery is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. During the procedure, a surgical cut is made over the hip to expose the hip joint and the femur is dislocated from the acetabulum. The surface of the socket is prepared and the damaged or arthritic bone removed using a reamer. The acetabular component is inserted and secured into the socket. A liner made of plastic, ceramic or metal is placed inside the acetabular component.
The femur or thighbone is then prepared by removing the arthritic bone using special instruments to exactly fit the new metal femoral component. The femoral component is then inserted to the femur either by a press fit or using bone cement. Then the femoral head component made of metal or ceramic is placed on the femoral stem. The muscles and tendons around the new joint are repaired and the incision is closed.
Postoperative Care following Total Hip Replacement
After total hip replacement most patients can go home in one or two days. Select patients who are healthy and motivated may possibly go home the same day. Patients may put full weight on the operated leg using a walker at first with quick transition to a cane. Patients discontinue the cane based on their individual progress. Depending on the approach used for the procedure, there may be some postoperative precautions such as decreased bending, squatting or crossing legs for several weeks. Anterior approach patients generally have very few postoperative precautions.
Risks and Complications of Total Hip Replacement
As with any major surgical procedure, there are certain potential risks and complications involved with total hip replacement surgery. The possible complications after total hip replacement may include:
- Infection
- Dislocation
- Fracture of the femur or pelvis
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels
- Formation of blood clots in the leg veins
- Leg length inequality
- Wearing out of the hip prosthesis
- Failure to relieve pain
- Scar formation
If you would like to have additional information on the hip or would like to learn more about Total Hip Replacement, please contact Dr. German serving the communities of Erie, PA
Other Hip Procedures
- Total Hip Replacement
- Direct Anterior Hip Replacement
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Mako Robotic Arm Assisted Hip Replacement
- Hip Fracture Surgery
- Total Hip Revision Surgery
- Outpatient Hip Replacement
- Computer-assisted Hip Replacement
- Robotic Total Hip Replacement
- Robotic Assisted Hip Surgery
- Hip Hemiarthroplasty
- Hip Trauma Reconstruction
- Activities After Hip Replacement
- Physical Therapy for Hip
