Hip Treatment & Replacement

Lee Health's Approach to Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement (or hip arthroplasty) is a technique that has become widespread in recent years in response to the need for improving hip joints that have been damaged by injury or arthritis. By addressing concerns early, healthcare providers at the Musculoskeletal Institute can create personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs. 

Hip replacement surgery may offer the best treatment option for long-term improvement for the hip when other treatments have proven inadequate. In most cases, having a total hip replacement reduces joint pain and means a return to pain-free movement. Our team also performs more conservative treatments such as cortisone treatments.

Understanding Hip Pain

The hip is a complex, weight-bearing joint that supports a wide range of movements. It is supported by ligaments, tendons, and muscles that provide stability and mobility. Some common causes of hip pain:

• Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease common in older adults.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation.
• Bursitis and Tendinitis: Inflammation of the bursae or tendons in the hip.
• Hip Labral Tears: Damage to the cartilage around the socket.
• Fractures: Often caused by injury or weakened bones (osteoporosis).

Advanced Treatment Options For You

Detecting hip issues in their initial stages helps prevent further damage, reduces the risk of complications, and opens the door to a wider range of treatment options. 

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective care for bone and joint conditions. It involves a combination of advanced diagnostic tools and thorough evaluations, including:

• Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRIs, and CT scans provide detailed views of bones, joints, and surrounding tissues.
• Physical Examinations: Assessing mobility, strength, and areas of pain helps pinpoint the problem.
• Medical History Review: Understanding your symptoms, lifestyle, and any prior injuries or conditions helps create a clearer picture of your health.

Hip Replacement Surgery: What to Expect

Hip replacement surgery is a highly effective solution for managing severe hip pain and restoring mobility. This procedure replaces damaged parts of the hip joint with artificial components, alleviating pain and improving function. Here’s a detailed look at the different types of hip replacement surgeries and what you can expect:

Total Hip Replacement (THR):
Total hip replacement is the most common and comprehensive form of the procedure. It involves replacing both the ball (femoral head) and the socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint with artificial components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.

Partial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty):
Partial hip replacement focuses on replacing only the damaged ball of the joint, leaving the natural socket intact. This procedure is commonly used for specific types of fractures in the femoral neck.

After Surgery: Orthopedic Nurse Navigator

We are committed to providing a compassionate orthopedic nurse navigator who plays a crucial role throughout your journey to recovery:

• Guidance Through the Surgical Process: From preadmission to discharge, our nurse navigator will be with you every step of the way.
• Preoperative Education: Receive detailed information about the procedure, recovery, and rehabilitation to help you prepare.
• Continuous Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with the patient and family before, during, and after the hospital stay.
• Answering Questions: Our nurse navigator is available to answer any questions you might have about the procedure, recovery, and rehabilitation.

 Call 239-343-3341 to contact the Lee Memorial Hospital orthopedic nurse navigator or 239-343-0297 for the navigator at Cape Coral Hospital or Gulf Coast Medical Center.