Total Hip Arthroplasty

Total Hip Arthroplasty (Replacement) is a highly successful surgical procedure designed to relieve pain and improve function for patients with end-stage hip arthritis. It involves removing the worn bearing surfaces of the hip and replacing them with metal and plastic components that allow for smooth motion. When non-operative treatments for arthritis such as weight-loss, pain medications, injections, and low-impact exercise have failed, Dr. Hajnik may recommend this surgery.

During this surgery, Dr. Hajnik utilizes minimally-invasive, muscle-sparing techniques and cutting-edge multimodal pain management protocols to allow for a more rapid recovery.

However, the first step is surgical planning. At this office visit, Dr. Hajnik will discuss the procedure, expected outcomes, risks, and the rehabilitation plan. You will receive orders for pre-operative lab work and be referred to your primary care physician for evaluation to ensure that you are healthy enough for this surgery. You will also be referred to your dentist to ensure that you have no infections in your mouth.   You will receive an information packet and will be given a choice for surgical dates.

Many patients undergo this surgery in a hospital where they can expect to spend 1 to 2 nights before being discharged. For some very healthy patients with a strong home support network, outpatient surgery with same-day home discharge may be an option. Regardless, pre-operative total joint classes and post-operative home health services are offered to all patients to ensure full understanding of the process and to provide help with the recovery.   Regular physical therapy is integral to a successful outcome.

In the week before your surgery, you will meet again with Dr. Hajnik for your pre-operative visit. At this visit, he will review your labs, clearance letters, rehab plan, and answer any additional questions so that you are prepared for the surgery.

On your scheduled date, you will arrive at the hospital or surgery center two hours before your surgery and be directed to the pre-operative holding area.   There, you will change into a patient gown and an IV will be started. You will meet your anesthesiologist and be given medication to relieve anxiety and preemptively combat pain. Spinal anesthesia will be administered prior to the surgery as part of the multimodal pain protocol. The surgery itself will take 1 to 2 hours. Upon completion, you will be transferred to the recovery unit where you will be able to meet your family shortly thereafter. The hip components are designed for immediate use, and your rehab begins with therapy that day.

Our Joint Reconstruction Specialist

Christopher Hajnik, MD, is Fellowship Trained in joint replacement and knee surgery. His sub- specialties are unicomparmental arthroplasty, cartilage restoration surgery, and revision joint replacement of the knee and hip.