Total Hip Replacement Surgery in NYC

What is total hip arthroplasty?

Total hip arthroplasty, also known as total hip replacement surgery, is a procedure performed by an orthopedic surgeon that involves removing damaged portions of a hip joint and replacing them with artificial components in order to improve function and relieve pain in the hip area. Total hip replacement is typically recommended to patients who are suffering from chronic hip pain that is interfering with day-to-day life and impacting mobility. Hip replacement surgery is only considered once conservative treatment methods fail to produce successful outcomes.

Why is total hip replacement surgery performed?

The primary reason for undergoing hip replacement surgery is to improve the function of the hip joint and to alleviate joint pain. Total hip arthroplasty may be necessary for patients who suffer from any of the following conditions:

• Osteoarthritis of the hip is a type of hip arthritis characterized by painful inflammation of the hip joint caused by cartilage deterioration. The condition can cause severe pain and loss of hip functionality over time.
• Post traumatic arthritis of the hip is caused due to damage to the cartilage in the hip that develops following an injury, such as a fracture.
• Rheumatoid arthritis of the hip is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by the deterioration of cartilage in the hip due to the immune system attacking the tissues. This type of arthritis can affect other joints in the body as well.
• Osteonecrosis or avascular necrosis of the hip is caused by limited blood flow to the hip, causing weakness in the bone and subsequent joint space narrowing.

Dr. Peter K. Sculco may recommend total hip replacement surgery if you are suffering from any of the following signs of hip joint dysfunction:

• Hip pain that does not go away, even with medication
• Limited range of motion in the hip joint
• Difficulty standing up from a seated position
• Sleeping problems due to severe hip pain
• Pain when walking
• Little or no improvement in hip pain or function following conservative treatments

What does total hip replacement involve?

Each total hip replacement procedure is tailored to the individual needs of the patient and may vary from case to case. The general steps involved with a total hip arthroplasty include:

• Administering regional anesthesia and a sedative so you are comfortable throughout surgery
• Making an incision in order to access the hip joint
• Removing damaged cartilage and bone from the hip joint and preparing the area for the implant
• Securing the components of the hip implant into their proper placement
• Fitting the new components together and closing the incision

By employing his Rapid Recovery approach — including various interventions taken before, during, and after surgery — Dr. Sculco is able to help his patients return to their everyday lives faster following total hip replacement surgery.

Learn more about minimally invasive hip replacement surgery:

Rapid Recovery for Total Hip Replacement

Typically, patients can expect to experience some swelling and pain after undergoing hip replacement surgery. Dr. Sculco is dedicated to improving your recovery by limiting post-surgical pain and other side effects. Over the years, he has been involved with extensive research on topics including less invasive surgical techniques, anesthesia use, anti-inflammatory medications, and specific instruments used during the procedure. This research has led Dr. Sculco to a fine-tuned recovery approach that has been proven to decrease inflammation and pain following surgery, as well as accelerate the body’s healing process so patients can get back to doing what they love faster. Learn more about Dr. Sculco’s recovery approach by visiting our Rapid Recovery page.

If you’re suffering from lowered range of motion and pain in your hip joint, the first step to getting back to your normal life quickly is scheduling an evaluation with an experienced orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Peter K. Sculco provides customized treatment plans and personalized care paired with world-class orthopedic training. Call 212.606.1771 today or fill out the form on this page to request an appointment.