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Lancaster, CA 93534
Tel: 661-942-6577

Location | Southern California Hip Institute | North Hollywood | Glendale Burbank | Encino | Sherman Oaks | Van Nuys
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Hip Replacement

What is a hip replacement?

Hip replacement is a surgical procedure that utilizes artificial bearings to replace a severely arthritic hip joint. It is designed to treat the pain, stiffness, and dysfunction that arise from severe arthritis of the hip.

What is the typical timeframe for recovery from a hip replacement?

It is important to realize that the speed of recovery depends largely on the extent and type of damage in the hip along with other patient related factors. Generally speaking, though, the majority of patients can expect to:

  • Go home on post-operative day 2 or 3
  • Resume normal daily household activities within 5 – 7 days
  • Take prescription pain medication for 2 – 6 weeks
  • Return to a desk-job with intermittent walking at 2 – 4 weeks
  • Drive a car at 2 weeks
  • Walk unassisted and without a limp by 4 – 6 weeks
  • 95% overall recovery by 3 – 4 months

Will I need to do physical therapy following a hip relacement?

Absolutely. Physical therapy is critical to ensure that you get the best outcome from your surgery. With the guidance of your therapist, you will progressively advance through the various stages of your rehabilitation, as outlined in our post-operative protocol. Your therapist will have some flexibility to safely modify your progression in order to meet your specific goals and expectations.

Will I have any restrictions after a hip replacement?

You will be able to return to an active lifestyle including walking, hiking, cycling, doubles tennis, golf, and many other sports. The only precaution after a hip replacement is to avoid high impact activities such as jogging, basketball, singles tennis, and other similar sports that would place significant stress on your hip joint. Given that the artificial joint is made of metal and plastic, these higher-level activities will cause faster wear of the plastic material potentially leading to a revision surgery to replace the worn out parts.

How successful is hip replacement surgery?

A hip replacement is one of the most successful surgeries invented by man. It will take care of all the pain coming from your arthritic joint. As such, accurate diagnosis is key for a successful outcome as many patients with hip arthritis also have low back problems, SI joint problems, and sciatica. All of these comorbid disorders may contribute to your overall dysfunction, but only the pain arising from hip arthritis would be resolved by a hip replacement.

Am I a good candidate for a hip replacement?

Whether a hip replacement is a worthwhile option for you depends on a number of factors, including:

  • Your age
  • Your particular diagnosis or pattern of injury
  • The extent of arthritis or cartilage damage

In general, the outcomes of a hip replacement are best in patients > 65 years of age without diabetes, obesity, or neurologic disorders. Dr. Garabekyan will guide you through the various considerations in helping you decide whether a hip replacement is right for you.

Choosing the treatment option that is right for you involves careful consideration of your diagnosis, duration and severity of symptoms, desired level of activity, as well as social and financial elements. You are not alone in this process.

As you research your condition, please write down all of your questions and bring them with you to your next appointment. Dr. Garabekyan and his team at SCHI will take time to address all of your concerns, until you are completely satisfied with your treatment plan.

We look forward to helping you get your life back.

Related Topics: Cartilage, Arthritis

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Dr. Garabekyan Associations | North Hollywood | Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon | Glendale Burbank | Encino | Sherman Oaks | Van Nuys Dr. Garabekyan Associations | North Hollywood | Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon | Glendale Burbank | Encino | Sherman Oaks | Van Nuys

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