Hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries, as evidenced by the high patient satisfaction rate.  Replacing damaged bone and cartilage with prosthetics restores a person’s ability to participate in daily activities pain-free. While hip replacement is a major surgery that involves significant recovery time, the results are long-lasting and well worth it. Exactly how long-lasting? Read on for more information about hip replacement surgery and how long it lasts. 

What is arthritis of the hips?

Hip arthritis refers to damage of the hip joints.  While there are many different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common. It can damage any joint, but is most often found in the hands, knees, hips, and spine. Osteoarthritis of the hips occurs when the joint surface cartilage is worn away, resulting in a rough joint surface and a grating sensation inside the joint. The main culprits of osteoarthritis are genetics, age, weight, and lifestyle (such as sports or profession). Hip arthritis causes pain and stiffness in the hips and decreases range of motion, making it difficult to walk, exercise, or participate in the activities of daily living. 

There are a number of non-surgical options for minimizing the symptoms of hip arthritis. These include lifestyle modifications, weight loss, physical therapy, walking supports, and medications. But in severe cases, a hip replacement is often a more effective and longer-lasting solution. 

What is a hip replacement?

Hip replacement surgery is a procedure that involves removing damaged or diseased bone and cartilage from the hip joint and replacing them with prosthetic components made of some plastic, metal, and ceramic. Hip replacement is major surgery, and is typically only recommended when the patient experiences:

• Hip pain that limits their daily activities

• Limited mobility in the hips

• Hip pain even when resting and not moving the joint

• Continued pain and discomfort even after trying other methods of pain management

Hip replacement surgery has a high success rate and a high patient satisfaction rate. The procedure doesn’t just relieve pain, it restores a person’s quality of life by allowing them to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and participate in activities they enjoy. 

How long does a hip replacement last?

We hate to break it to you, but a hip replacement does not last forever.  It may feel like it, though, as today’s prosthetic hips do last quite a long time— 20 years or more.  Just like with natural hips, the prosthetic hips are susceptible to wear and tear from everyday use. The better care you take of your body, however, the longer your hip replacement should last. There are a few key things you can do to maximize the longevity of your new hip:

• Maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine

• Avoid high-impact activities

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Work with your doctors and physical therapists to manage your arthritis and stay as healthy as possible for as long as possible

One of the keys to a successful hip replacement is a strong rehabilitation program.  The sooner you get started with physical therapy after your surgery, the better equipped you’ll be to live a healthy, active lifestyle and maximize the longevity of your new hip. 

Physical therapy after hip replacement surgery at Bella Vista Health Center 

At Bella Vista Health Center in Lemon Grove, we offer short-term rehabilitation for people who have been discharged from the hospital following surgery but are not yet ready to return home to full independence. Our hip replacement rehab programs are customized to help each patient recover quickly and return to all their favorite daily activities as soon as possible.

For more information about post-hip-replacement rehabilitation or any of our other services, please give us a call at (619) 644-1000 or visit our 5-star skilled nursing facility in Lemon Grove today.