Hip Replacement

At Iowa Ortho, we understand that chronic hip pain can significantly impact your quality of life. Our dedicated team of orthopedic specialists is here to guide you through every step of your journey, from initial consultation to post-operative recovery, ensuring personalized care tailored to your unique needs.

Is it time for a hip replacement?

Determining the right time for hip replacement surgery involves careful evaluation of your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. Consider scheduling a consultation if you experience:

Persistent hip or groin pain: Discomfort is typically located between the hip and knee.
Stiffness or tightness: Difficulty bending down or reduced range of motion.
Limping: Altering your gait to alleviate pain.
Swelling or tenderness: Inflammation around the hip joint.
Balance issues: Inability to stand on the affected leg for more than a minute, even with support.

Monitoring these symptoms over time can help determine the progression of hip degeneration and the potential need for surgical intervention.

Conservative treatment options

Before considering surgery, Iowa Ortho emphasizes non-surgical treatments to manage hip pain:

Physical therapy: Strengthens and stabilizes muscles around the hip joint, preserving range of motion.
Steroid injections: Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief for up to three to six months.
Anti-inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter options can alleviate discomfort; however, it’s essential to monitor usage to avoid potential side effects.

Advanced surgical techniques

When conservative treatments are no longer effective, hip replacement surgery may be recommended. Iowa Ortho offers multiple surgical approaches, each suited to different patient needs.

Direct anterior hip replacement

The direct anterior approach is a minimally invasive technique that allows surgeons to access the hip joint from the front of the body. This technique:

Preserves muscle integrity: Accesses the hip joint without cutting through major muscles, leading to a potentially faster recovery.
Utilizes advanced imaging: Employs intraoperative x-rays to ensure precise placement of hip components, restoring proper biomechanics and leg length.
Reduces dislocation risk: Maintains the stability of the hip joint post-surgery.

Posterior hip replacement

The posterior approach is a traditional technique that allows surgeons to access the hip joint from the back of the body. This technique:

Provides excellent joint visibility: Offers the surgeon a clear view of the hip, which can be beneficial during more complex procedures.
Has proven long-term success: Backed by decades of positive patient outcomes and surgical reliability.
Accommodates unique anatomy: Often preferred for patients with prior hip surgeries, abnormal bone structure, or other complex cases.

While the posterior approach may require more dislocation precautions during early recovery, it remains a widely used, safe, and effective option for total hip replacement.

Direct superior hip replacement

The direct superior approach is a muscle-sparing technique that accesses the hip joint from just above and behind the hip. This newer approach combines the benefits of both the anterior and posterior methods. This technique:

Preserves key muscles and tendons: Avoids cutting through major hip muscles, which may contribute to reduced post-operative pain and quicker recovery.
Minimizes soft tissue disruption: Enters the hip capsule with less trauma, potentially lowering the risk of complications.
Allows for smaller incisions: May result in less scarring and shorter hospital stays while maintaining excellent joint visibility for the surgeon.

The direct superior approach is a promising option for select patients and is performed by surgeons experienced in advanced hip replacement techniques.

What to expect: surgery & recovery

Iowa Ortho’s comprehensive care model includes:

Pre-operative physical therapy appointment: An in-person PT visit, completed at Iowa Ortho therapy downtown Des Moines or in Ankeny, to evaluate your current mobility and provide extensive education on getting you, your support person, and your home ready to recover from your total joint surgery, including equipment you may need, and exercises to do specific to your condition.
Joint Camp program: An online learning experience that provides important, pre-op information via supportive emails that will help you know what to expect before, during, and after your joint replacement surgery.
Post-operative care: Most patients begin walking the day of surgery and can resume many normal activities within four to six weeks.
Support system: Patients are required to have a family member or friend to assist for the first 24 hours after surgery, then encouraged to have help ongoing with rides, errands, and other support as needed.

Why choose Iowa Ortho?

Expertise: Our fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons specialize in the latest hip replacement techniques, ensuring high-quality care.
Comprehensive services: From diagnosis to rehabilitation, we offer a full spectrum of services tailored to each patient.
Patient-centered approach: We prioritize your comfort, recovery, and return to daily activities.

Schedule your consultation

If hip pain is affecting your quality of life, don’t wait. Contact Iowa Ortho to explore your treatment options and take the first step toward improved mobility.

Call Iowa Ortho at 515-247-8400 or schedule an appointment online today.