Hip Replacement

Living with constant hip pain can keep you off your feet and make getting around difficult. A hip replacement may be an option to help you get back to your active lifestyle.

Using innovative methods, like robotic-assisted hip replacements, our orthopedic surgeons reconstruct thousands of hip joints each year. Our team of doctors provide personalized, proven approaches for the best outcomes, at locations that are convenient and close to home.

Different approaches for hip joint replacement

The hip is like a room with doors on each side. Like the room, it can be accessed for replacement from many different directions. Historically, hip replacement was from the back, through the posterior approach, or from the side, through the lateral or anterior-lateral approaches.

Newer approaches are available at Henry Ford, including the:

• Anterior approach
• Superior and mini-posterior approaches

There are risks and benefits to any hip replacement surgery, and not everyone is a candidate for all approaches. We encourage you talk with your surgeon to understand the approach that will provide you with the safest, most successful experience.

Causes of hip pain

The ball-and-socket joint of your hip is the largest joint in your body. There are a number of diseases that can cause the cartilage in your hip joint to break down, resulting in friction and pain. These include:

• Osteoarthritis: Often called ‘wear and tear’ arthritis, this condition involves the breakdown of cartilage in the hip joint over time, resulting in pain and stiffness
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Also an autoimmune disorder, this form of arthritis is a chronic condition in which your body attacks and breaks down the lining of your joints (synovium)
• Hip fracture: An injury such as a hip fracture may require hip replacement surgery if the joint already had damage from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteonecrosis: Also known as avascular necrosis, this disease reduces blood flow to your joints, causing them to break down. It often affects the hip joint.