Hip Replacement

The hip is one of the biggest working joints of the body. Hip problems can seriously impact your entire body and your ability to perform normal activities. When the joint is severely damaged due to arthritis or other problems, hip replacement surgery may be recommended. Each year, more than 168,000 Americans undergo joint replacement surgery for a new hip. This procedure can greatly improve your quality of life by relieving pain associated with a hip problem, allowing you to live a fuller, more active life.

The UCSF Orthopedic Arthroplasty Service includes orthopedic surgeons with expertise in joint replacement of the hip, knee and shoulder called arthroplasty. In addition, there are physician's assistants, nurses and physical therapists that are specially trained in the care of patients with joint replacements. We also work together to provide comprehensive management of arthritis in these joints, including total joint replacement. We offer the latest advancements in joint replacement surgery, including minimally invasive surgical techniques; computer assisted surgery and advanced implant options.

In total hip replacement surgery, the damaged ball and socket are removed and replaced with a new set that is made of metal and a durable plastic material. These artificial parts are called implants, or prostheses. There are three different types of prostheses: cemented, uncemented and custom. Based on your age, activity level, bone shape, size and strength, your orthopedic surgeon will decide which prostheses is best for you. This will be discussed with you at your pre-operative visit.

The surgery usually takes two to four hours, although this depends on the severity of the arthritis in your hip. In the operating room, a urinary catheter will be inserted and left in place for one or two days. Compression stockings will be put on both of your legs. For a complete overview of your procedure, please see Total Hip Replacement.

You will be admitted to the hospital on the day of your scheduled surgery. You will be asked to arrive to the hospital two hours before the start of your surgery. After admission, you will move into the pre-operative area where you will be evaluated by an anesthesiologist. The most common type of anesthesia is general, in which you are given anesthesia through an intravenous (IV) drip that keeps you asleep for the entire surgery. Your anesthesiologist also may offer you an epidural or spinal injection or a combination of the above. You will discuss this with your anesthesiologist prior to your surgery.

Computer Assisted Surgery

Our experts are trained in computer-assisted orthopedic surgery, which uses special cameras and intra-operative imaging tools that project images of the area being operated onto a television screen. On-screen prompts help guide surgeons to the ideal alignment of the implant and provide real-time vision of the surgical site. High-precision alignment may extend the long-term survival of the implanted artificial hip or knee, thus reducing the need for future corrective surgeries. UCSF Medical Center surgeons are currently involved in studying these new technologies to determine their impact on total hip replacement.