Total Hip Replacement

There are many kinds and designs of hip implants available today, and no one design or type is best for every patient. Surgeons select the implant they believe is best for their patients’ needs based on a number of factors, including age, activity level, the implant’s track record, and his or her comfort with the instruments associated with the particular implant. If you have questions regarding implants, your surgeon will be happy to answer them for you.

With improvements in surgical techniques and post-op care, it is now common for many patients to go home from the hospital after two or three days. Of course, each patient is different, but the goal should be for you to recover in the comfort and privacy of your own home as soon as possible

Even though hip replacement surgery is considered a successful procedure, it is major surgery, and as with any surgery, there are risks. Your surgeon and healthcare team will take great care to minimize the risk complications. Keep in mind that complications are rare, but they need to be understood by you and your family. Your surgeon will be happy to answer any questions. For more information, click here

Total hip replacement is recognized as one of the most successful procedures in all of medicine. In the United States, over 285,000 people have their hips replaced each year, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Recovery can vary from person to person, but most people will need to use an ambulation aid such as a walker for four weeks or so. Most people will spend 1-3 days in the hospital, though some patients—particularly those who live alone—may need to spend a few days at a rehab center or nursing home. Keep in mind that healing and recovery times can vary.

You will experience some discomfort after surgery, but be assured we will do everything we can to keep you as comfortable as possible. Pain after hip replacement surgery varies from person to person and is not entirely predictable. Modern medications and improved anesthetic techniques greatly enhance our ability to control pain and discomfort after surgery.

Your surgical team will do everything possible to minimize bleeding, but some blood loss after joint replacement is unavoidable. Whether or not a blood transfusion is required will depend on highly individualized factors, including your condition prior to surgery, cardiac history, age, etc.

Our goal is to provide each patient with exceptional care from education prior to surgery, through surgery and recovery, to follow-up care to ensure an optimal outcome. Our program is based on the renowned Marshall Steele program—which is nationally recognized for superior outcomes. In fact, we are the only Marshall Steele joint replacement program in San Diego. What makes our program distinctive is that we provide extensive pre- and post-operative education, provide a unique in-hospital experience from the specially trained surgeon and nurses, to the hospital attire and coach program, to extensive follow-up care and reunions. To provide a healing environment, we have designed our patient unit to reflect San Diego’s beautiful landscapes and landmarks to enhance recovery. All of these unique components have resulted in San Diego’s premier joint program. If you want to combine a healing environment with the latest advances in total joint replacement, look no further than the brand-new Advanced Spine & Joint Institute at Alvarado Hospital. Alvarado is the only California hospital to be ranked among America’s 100 Best for Orthopedic Surgery four years in a row by Healthgrades. For a complete list of orthopedic, clinical excellence, and patient safety accolades, click here.

For more information or a physician referral, call us 24/7 at (800) ALVARADO (800-258-2723) or during business hours, contact our nurse navigator at 619-229-4548 or by e-mail. Do not include personal medical information in your e-mail. Click here for a link to specialists affiliated with the Advanced Spine & Joint Institute.