It’s important to prepare ahead of time for hip replacement surgery. At Temple Health, we work closely with you to educate you on your upcoming procedure. Below are several answers to some of the most frequently asked questions we receive about hip replacement surgery.
Hip Replacement Surgery Frequently Asked Questions
What are potential complications of hip replacement surgery?
Your surgeon and team take specific measures to reduce risk and complications of surgery, however complications of total hip replacement can include:
- Blood clots
- Change in leg length
- Dislocation
- Fracture
- Infection
- Loosening of the artificial hip joint
How long is a typical hip replacement surgery?
Hip replacement surgery is generally two to three hours, depending on your overall health and type of replacement.
What is the typical recovery time from hip replacement surgery for the elderly?
Older individuals may take a little longer to fully recover from hip replacement, which can take up to 10 to 12 weeks. Elderly individuals may also feel more comfortable recovering at a rehabilitation center, instead of returning home immediately after hospital discharge.
How does minimally invasive hip replacement surgery compare to traditional hip replacement?
During minimally invasive hip replacement, your surgeon makes 1-2 smaller incisions versus one large incision at the side of the hip. Traditional hip replacement makes one long incision, usually 10 to 12 inches long.
With the anterior approach, however, your surgeon makes a single, 4-inch incision on the front of the hip instead of the back or side. This is called anterior hip replacement and is an alternative to traditional hip replacement surgery.
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Find a doctor near you, request an appointment, or call 800-TEMPLE-MED (800-836-7536) today.
