Hip Reconstruction and Replacement Surgery

Recognized by U.S. News & World Report

UT Southwestern Medical Center has earned a "High Performing" rating from U.S. News & World Report for hip replacements and treatment of hip fractures, placing us among the nation’s top hospitals for this area of care.

UT Southwestern Medical Center specializes in hip reconstruction and hip replacement surgery (total hip arthroplasty). Our specialists in orthopaedics and physical medicine and rehabilitation provide expert-level care for patients with severe hip pain and, when surgery is required, offer the latest surgical techniques and technology.

Experienced Orthopaedic Surgeons, Positive Outcomes

Unmanageable hip pain can have a profound impact on a patient’s life, making everyday activities a struggle. In these cases, hip reconstruction or total hip replacement surgery can help individuals move freely again.

Successful total hip replacement has been linked to the experience of the surgeon and the volume of the procedures he or she has performed. Surgeons at UT Southwestern perform a high volume of hip replacement surgeries, which translates into positive outcomes and low complication rates for patients.

UT Southwestern’s experts in orthopaedics and physical medicine and rehabilitation have helped set national quality standards regarding how joint replacement procedures should be performed. We are also among a small number of North Texas surgeons skilled in arthroscopic hip surgery, hip preservation surgery, and periacetabular osteotomy (PAO). Our specialists are also trained in minimally invasive procedures, including the direct anterior approach.

Our surgeons stay up to date on the latest hip replacement techniques, technology, and devices to ensure patients benefit from the newest medical advances.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a hip injury or disorder that might require reconstruction or replacement surgery include:

• Discomfort that interferes with sleep, makes it difficult to go up or down stairs, or makes it painful to rise from a seated position
• Pain that persists, even with medication
• Pain or immobility that seems to get worse with time
• Swelling or bruising in the hip, which can be a sign of a fracture

Diagnosis

Total hip replacement is a major surgery, so our doctors closely monitor each case to determine the best course of treatment.

We begin by asking each patient about his or her medical history and conducting a thorough physical examination to evaluate the strength and mobility of the hip. We then order diagnostic tests such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to view the extent of the deformity or damage. We are even at the forefront in advanced imaging, including three-dimensional computed tomography (CT) and MRI.

Treatments

For patients with severe hip pain, we might first offer focused conservative measures such as medication and physical therapy. However, if those fail, the patient might be a candidate for hip reconstruction or replacement surgery.

Hip Reconstruction

Depending on the patient’s needs, we might recommend one of the following hip reconstruction techniques:

• Arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure in which the hip is repaired through a small incision. The surgeons use a tiny camera to view the joint’s interior and then insert small surgical instruments to perform the surgery.
• Periacetabular osteotomy (PAO), in which the hip bone is reshaped and fixed in a new position to help distribute weight more evenly
• Resurfacing, in which surgeons resurface the head of the femur bone and the hip socket with smooth metal to reduce pain and improve mobility
• Cartilage transplant, in which the diseased portion of the hip is removed and undamaged cartilage is transported

Total Hip Replacement

In a total hip replacement surgery, the surgeon replaces cartilage that has deteriorated beyond repair with an artificial joint (implant) that the doctor selects to best meet the patient’s needs.

Hip Rehabilitation

Following hip surgery, our team of nurses and therapists works closely with our surgeons to provide patients with a viable and successful rehabilitation. We offer patients rehabilitation therapy, medications, exercise, and nutritional advice. This coordinated approach maximizes efforts to regain motion for long-term recovery.

We customize our rehabilitation programs to meet each patient’s needs, with a goal of easing the transition from the hospital to home. If needed, a social worker can help make arrangements for home assistance services, such as in-home therapy and nursing services, as well as attendants to help with daily living needs.

Family members also play a vital role in a patient’s rehabilitation. Our staff provides families with information about support groups and other resources that are an integral part of our rehabilitation program for all joint replacement patients.