Deciding to have a total joint replacement surgery can be a step towards better health. This page will cover the different types of total joint replacement procedures and surgery available, as well as who may qualify for these procedures.
Presbyterian offers outpatient orthopedic care, coordinated pre-surgery education classes and physical therapy in the Albuquerque metro area and in orthopedics clinics across New Mexico.
When do you need a hip replacement?
Total hip replacement (also called hip arthroplasty) is a common orthopedic procedure that replaces your damaged hip joint with an artificial one, usually made from metal or plastic. Hip replacement helps relieve pain and improves your ability to walk or be active.
Your provider may recommend that you have a hip replacement if you have chronic pain or damage to your hip joint. This can be caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, injury to your hip bone, or other conditions.
What is the difference between a posterior total hip replacement and anterior total hip replacement?
Posterior hip replacement uses a curved incision on the side and back of your hip. Your surgeon will have to detach your muscles and tendons to get to your hip joint, which are then repaired at the end of your procedure.
Anterior hip replacement is performed through an incision on the front of your hip. Your surgeon will be able to replace your hip joint without detaching any muscles or tendons.
An anterior hip replacement offers:
Less impact to your muscles
Potential for faster recovery
Less pain after surgery
Possible shorter hospital stay
Lower chance of a hip dislocation
A durable prosthetic hip joint
Who is a good candidate for anterior hip replacement surgery?
You may be a good candidate for an anterior hip replacement surgery if you:
Are not significantly overweight
Are fairly active or in good physical condition before surgery
Would like to return to physical activity more quickly
Depending on your medical history and the type of hip issues you have, anterior hip replacement may be the right surgery for you. Your surgeon can advise you on which surgery is best for your unique needs.
How long does it take to recover from anterior hip replacement surgery?
Everyone responds differently to hip surgery, but recovery typically takes between three weeks and three months. Most patients go home the same day as their surgery. You will start physical therapy within a few days after your surgery and continue for up to six weeks.
Why should you go to Presbyterian Orthopedics and Orthopedic Surgery for your hip replacement?
Presbyterian’s orthopedic surgeons offer both posterior and anterior total hip replacements, as well as a wide range of medical and surgical treatment for conditions affecting the hips, knees, shoulders, and other joints.
We are recognized for our clinical care in hip and knee replacement.
Presbyterian Hospital* has been certified by the Joint Commission in hip replacement and knee replacement. To achieve this certification, organizations must meet the core requirements in the Disease-Specific Care Manual which include three main components: standards, clinical practice guidelines, and performance measurement.
Presbyterian Hospital* has also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a High Performing Hospital in both hip replacement and knee replacement. Hospitals that are High Performing have excelled in providing high quality care in specific procedures and/or conditions.
*This distinction recognizes Presbyterian's three Central New Mexico hospitals – Presbyterian Hospital, Presbyterian Rust Medical Center and Presbyterian Kaseman Hospital. Combined data from all three Central New Mexico hospitals were submitted under the umbrella of Presbyterian Hospital.
