Total Hip Replacement: Understanding the Procedure and Recovery

Is hip pain keeping you from living your life? When conservative options no longer help, a total hip replacement might be the solution. Dr. Todd Pitts explains what the surgery involves, when it’s the right time, and what you can expect from recovery.

What Is a Total Hip Replacement?

A total hip replacement is a surgical procedure that removes the damaged surfaces of the hip joint and replaces them with smooth, durable implants. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint made up of the femoral head (top of the thigh bone) and the acetabulum (hip socket in the pelvis). When arthritis wears down the cartilage, the bones begin to rub together—causing friction, inflammation, and pain.

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  • This procedure replaces the rough, damaged joint surfaces with:

    • A metal cup and plastic liner inside the hip socket

    • A metal stem and ball on the femur side

    These components remove the friction, allowing smooth, pain-free motion.

  • Hip replacements are considered when patients experience:

    • Advanced hip arthritis with cartilage damage

    • Night pain that disrupts sleep

    • Difficulty walking, standing, or sitting for long periods

    • Hip pain that doesn’t improve with physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, or injections

    If you’re missing out on life or relying on medication just to get through the day, it may be time.

  • Dr. Pitts customizes each procedure to fit the patient’s anatomy and goals. Here’s what happens:

    1. The head and neck of the femur are carefully removed.

    2. A metal cup is secured inside the hip socket and lined with a durable plastic.

    3. A metal implant is inserted into the femur to serve as the new “ball” of the joint.

    4. The joint is reassembled to restore leg length and function.

  • There are two main ways to access the hip joint:

    • Anterior Approach (from the front):

      Soft tissue-sparing, more common today, and often leads to faster early recovery.

    • Posterior Approach (from the back):

      Traditional and still effective, depending on the patient’s needs.

    Dr. Pitts uses the anterior approach for most patients to minimize tissue disruption and improve comfort during the healing process.

  • You might be ready for a hip replacement if:

    • You’ve already tried conservative care

    • Hip pain is limiting your daily life

    • You’re avoiding activities you enjoy because of discomfort

    • You need medication every day to manage the pain

    Dr. Pitts will work with you to confirm the diagnosis and ensure the pain is truly coming from the joint—not your back, muscles, or other causes—before moving forward with surgery.