Total hip replacement (THR) is a prosthetic or mechanical hip. A THR is used when the regular hip joint deteriorates to a point that function is impaired. This may be due to excessive pain, fractures, and/or weakness.

Normally, the ends of the bones of the ball-and-socket joint of the hip are covered with cartilage, which provides cushion and lubrication. Trauma, disease and arthritis can break this cartilage down to a point where the hip joint becomes eroded and rough. The joint then may become stiff and painful.

If you and your surgeon agree that you are candidate for THR, you will be scheduled for surgery. Special alloy parts are installed, which replace the original ball and socket of the damaged joint. While the new replacement will never be the same as the original joint, it is very similar and will both decrease the pain and allow you to resume functional activities. THRs usually will not allow you to bend your hips more than 90 degrees, so you will need some special training to learn to get up out of bed and chairs. Other motions to avoid will be turning your leg inward and crossing your legs or ankles. You will have a scar located either in front or slightly behind the hip joint, depending on the type of surgery you have.

Tools such as reachers will help you to pick up items from the floor, and sock pullers make it easier to get dressed. At first, you may need a shower seat and special elevated seating for the restroom. Your health professional can help you get these things.

After surgery you will receive rehabilitation to help restore your strength, decrease swelling and pain, and allow participation in functional activities such as walking. This rehabilitation is necessary before you can be released from the hospital. At first, you will begin walking with a walker. After you gain more strength, you may be transitioned to crutches or a cane. Most people are able to eventually walk without an assistive device.

After you are released from the hospital, you will likely continue with your rehabilitation in an outpatient center. During this time you will gain more strength and range of motion, and become better prepared for stair climbing. In the meantime, there are steps you can take to make things safer in your home until your rehabilitation is complete. Remove throw rugs, eliminate clutter (magazines, electrical cords, etc.) from the floor, be cautious of small pets, place extra pillows in chairs (to make it easier to get out of the chair) and use a small backpack to carry items.

After you have been fully rehabilitated and released from medical care, you will want to maintain a regular exercise program for your hip to keep it in good shape. Your health professional will be able to help you with this program.