Hip replacement

Chronic hip pain can make everyday movement difficult, but relief is possible. Novant Health joint specialists offer total hip replacement and revision surgery, along with personalized care designed to relieve pain and restore mobility. From your first appointment through recovery, our team builds a treatment plan around your needs and goals.

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What is total hip replacement?

Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure that removes the damaged parts of the hip joint and replaces them with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. Artificial hips are typically made from a combination of metal, ceramic and hard plastic, designed to replicate the natural movement of a healthy hip.

This procedure may be recommended when medication, physical therapy or lifestyle changes no longer relieve hip pain. In some cases, a prior hip replacement may wear down or loosen over time, making revision surgery necessary to restore comfort and function.

A medical illustration of a total hip replacement procedure.

Total Hip Replacement Basics

Learn why a total hip replacement is performed, explore hip anatomy and see the improvements surgery can make.

Common reasons for total hip replacement

You may benefit from hip replacement surgery if you're experiencing:

Persistent hip pain that limits daily activities
Stiffness that affects mobility and flexibility
Difficulty walking, standing or climbing stairs
Arthritis or other degenerative joint conditions
Hip injuries that haven't improved with nonsurgical treatment

Your overall health, activity level and age are all considered when evaluating candidacy for hip replacement surgery. Our team takes a personalized approach, ensuring your treatment plan aligns with your goals and lifestyle.

Treatment options (surgical and nonsurgical)

Before considering surgery, your care team may recommend nonsurgical options such as medication, physical therapy or lifestyle modifications to manage hip pain. When these approaches are no longer effective, surgical treatment may be the right next step. Options include:

Total hip replacement, in which damaged cartilage and bone are removed and replaced with a prosthesis to restore alignment and function
Minimally invasive hip replacement techniques, which may reduce incision size, preserve healthy tissue and support a faster recovery
Total hip revision surgery, recommended when a prior prosthesis has worn down, loosened, become infected or is no longer functioning properly

Your orthopedic surgeon will help determine which option best fits your condition and recovery goals.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Recovery after hip replacement or revision surgery focuses on safety, comfort and restoring mobility. Your rehabilitation plan may include:

Using walking aids such as crutches or walkers in the early stages
Performing gentle range-of-motion exercises
Participating in physical therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility
Gradually returning to daily activities as you regain confidence in your new hip
Avoiding high-impact activities until cleared by your surgeon
Monitoring for signs of complications such as swelling, infection or unusual pain

Revision surgery is more complex than an initial replacement, and recovery may take longer. Following your personalized rehabilitation plan helps maximize the benefits of surgery and supports a smoother, safer recovery.

Risks and considerations

As with any surgery, hip replacement and revision procedures carry some risks. Your care team will walk you through the potential risks and complications specific to your situation before your procedure and address any questions or concerns you may have. Revision surgery, in particular, involves additional complexity because of the need to remove and replace an existing prosthesis. Rest assured that your surgical team will take the time to explain what to expect and support you through every step of your care.

A medical illustration of physical therapy.

Total Hip Replacement Recovery

Learn what to expect as you recover from total hip replacement surgery, including healing timelines, activity tips, and support for a safe recovery.

Videos in our patient education library are available to help you gain a general understanding of the condition or procedure. Read disclaimer.

Conditions we treat

Our expert team delivers expert care for a wide range of joint injuries and conditions.

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Why treatment is important?

Chronic hip pain can affect your independence, quality of life and emotional well-being. Hip replacement surgery can provide long-term relief from pain and help restore the mobility you need to return to activities you enjoy. Early evaluation and treatment can help prevent further joint damage and support your overall health.

Is joint pain holding you back?

It only takes a few minutes to help you stay active for years. Our joint health quiz shows you how to stay strong, flexible and moving freely through every stage of life.