Hip Surgery

The past decade has seen new combinations of implant materials and surgical techniques that have made hip surgery like hip replacement and hip resurfacing very positive solutions to the pain and immobility of arthritis.

The experienced surgeons at FKOC will be able to provide you with an expert diagnosis and treatment plan to overcome hip pain caused by arthritis.

Total hip replacements and minimally invasive hip resurfacing surgeries are often the best solutions for hip problems.

hip replacement surgery

Hip Surgery FAQs

Hip Resurfacing – What is it?

Hip resurfacing is designed for people whose x-rays show arthritis and have not had satisfactory pain relief with non-surgical treatment. Your orthopedic surgeon will help you decide if a hip resurfacing is best for you. With modern-day implants and surgical techniques, many advantages exist for a hip resurfacing compared to total replacement in the past. Our Tampa area orthopedic surgeons are experts in hip resurfacing as well as total hip replacements. No matter what you need to get your hips pain free and functioning, FKOC’s experienced doctors are here for you.

Benefits of a Hip Resurfacing

Benefits of minimally-invasive procedure such as a hip resurfacing include less discomfort, a shorter hospital stay, no blood transfusions, rapid healing and more:

  • Minimally-Invasive / Hidden Sutures – A smaller incision is made than is required for a total hip replacement. For a more pleasing appearance after surgery, small self-dissolving sutures (like those used by cosmetic surgeons) are hidden underneath the skin. No skin clips or staples are used and no stitches have to be removed.
  • No Blood Needed – Often, people must donate blood before total hip replacements to replace the amount lost during surgery. This is not needed for hip resurfacing.
  • Hospital Stay – Short to no hospital stay needed.
  • No Motion Machines – In general, a hip resurfacing provides better range of motion and function to the hip than a traditional total hip replacement.

When a Total Hip Replacement is Needed

For hips that have been affected by advanced osteoarthritis, a total hip replacement is a very positive solution for the pain and disability. The rough, worn surfaces of the joint are relined with smooth-surfaced metal and plastic components. Hip replacement surgery should be considered when pain from arthritis severely limits your ability to walk, work or perform even simple activities. The worn joint is replaced with a smooth metal and plastic covering.

Although pills, shots and exercise can control moderate pain, once advanced arthritis has spread throughout the hip, it is not likely these treatments will give the same long-lasting relief as a total hip replacement.

Keeping You in the Comfort Zone

Several methods of pain control are available to keep you comfortable. During your brief surgery, either general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia with enhancement (to help you relax and give you a light snooze) will be used by our expert orthopedic surgeons. After surgery, our doctors may provide prescriptions for medication that could include narcotics by mouth or intravenously.

Hip Arthritis Information

Arthritis, not just a single disease. Hip pain in adults is often due to arthritis. The word arthritis actually means inflammation of a joint. Almost every animal that can walk is susceptible to this inflammation.

Although many types of arthritis have some common aspects, each type has its own pattern of symptoms and affects different people in different ways.

Two major forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system appears to go awry and attacks healthy parts of the body, particularly the joints. In severe rheumatoid arthritis, the joints become deformed and internal organs are adversely affected.

What is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is also called degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. Almost everyone is affected by it to some extent as they grow older. It most frequently occurs in weight-bearing joints, mainly knees, hips and ankles. This form of arthritis slowly and gradually breaks down the cartilage that covers the ends of each bone in a joint.

Normally, cartilage acts as a shock absorber, providing a smooth surface between the bones. But with osteoarthritis, the smooth surface becomes rough and pitted. In advanced stages, it may wear away completely. Without their normal gliding surfaces, the bones grind against one another, causing inflammation, pain and restricted movement. Bone spurs may form. In osteoarthritis of the knee, the shape of the bone and appearance of the leg may change over the years. Many people become bow-legged or knock-kneed. And in osteoarthritis of the hip, the affected leg may appear shorter.

What are the symptoms?

The number one symptom is pain. The pain is caused by irritation and pressure on nerve endings as well as muscle tension and fatigue. The pain can progress from mild soreness and aching with movement to severe pain, even when resting. The second symptom is loss of easy movement, such as bending or rising normally. Morning stiffness is a problem for many people. This lack of mobility, in turn, often causes the muscles serving the knee or hip to weaken, and overall body coordination suffers.

How is it diagnosed?

A simple weight-bearing x-ray and examination by a skilled joint specialist will determine if you have osteoarthritis.Time-consuming and costly diagnostic procedures are not required.

What is the treatment?

There is no cure for arthritis, but the past decade has seen dramatic new ways to manage the pain, lack of mobility and fatigue that are among its most disabling symptoms. During the early and middle stages, a treatment program of medicines, cortisone shots, ice treatments, exercise, and physical therapy can be very effective in reducing symptoms and improving mobility.

Medicines – Coated aspirin helps relieve pain and has few side effects. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as Voltaren, Feldene, Naprosyn and Clinoril, are prescription drugs for pain and inflammation. Do not take aspirin if you are taking NSAIDS.

Cortisone Shots – Cortisone shots are given for inflammation. For many people, joint arthritis is often made symptom-free for months or even years after cortisone shots. Four to six shots a year can be given without any dangerous side effects.

Ice Treatments – Ice packs on the knee (three times daily, 10-20 minutes at a time) are helpful for inflammation and temporary relief of pain and soreness. Heat applications in either the knee or hip make osteoarthritis worse.

Diet – There is no evidence that any specific foods will prevent or relieve arthritis symptoms. It’s important to keep thin, however, because excess weight aggravates arthritis by putting added pressure on the knees.

Exercise and Rest – Prolonged rest and days of inactivity will increase stiffness and make it harder to move around. Motion is lotion for arthritis! But keep in mind that excessive or improper exercise can overwork your arthritic joint and cause further damage. A balanced routine of rest and exercise is best.

What about surgery?

Hip replacement is a very positive solution to the pain and disability of advanced osteoarthritis. The rough, worn surfaces of the joint are relined with smooth-surfaced metal and plastic components.

How can I schedule an evaluation?

An appointment can be made by calling 1-727-446-5633, or toll free 1-800-881-8485 if you are outside the Tampa Bay area. Your appointment will be scheduled at the office of your choice. Office hours are 8 to 5, Monday through Thursday and 8 to 1 on Friday. The Center accepts Medicare assignment and will bill Medicare and secondary insurance.

The Center also participates in most health plans including, but not limited to, AvMed, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, Prudential, PCA, Principal, Private HealthCare Systems and United HealthCare.

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