Dr. Tim on Hip Replacements

ABC News Medical Editor Dr. Timothy Johnson recently became one of the estimated 300,000 Americans who undergo hip replacement surgery each year.

When considering a hip replacement, the first decision is whether to undergo a traditional hip replacement or a mini hip replacement. A traditional hip replacement involves an incision of more than six inches, while a mini hip replacement involves one or two incisions that are much smaller. The mini has a shorter recovery time and is less painful, but the verdict is still out on how well mini hip replacements hold up over the years, Johnson said.

He chose a traditional hip replacement. He said he did experience pain and and took pain medicine and that right now he needs a cane, but said in another month he should be walking without assistance.

"I'm better off now than I was before, no doubt about it," he said.

The next decision for a hip replacement patient is whether to implant a metal or ceramic replacement. Johnson said he chose metal, because it's the more tried-and-true method. However, there is a growing trend toward ceramic, which is what golfer Jack Nicklaus chose.

The heaviness of the metal replacement took some getting used to, he said.

"I felt like I was walking around with a brick," he said.

The third option is whether to have the replacement secured by cement. When the surgery was new, surgeons frequently used cement to prevent the implant from slipping. But Johnson chose not to have cement, because his replacement has a rough surface that allows the bone to grow onto and around the hip hardware.

Choosing your surgeon is another important decision to make. Because infection is one risk of hip replacement surgery, Johnson said to ask your surgeon what the hospital infection rate is for this procedure. Johnson's doctor has only had one patient get an infection in 20 years; he typically does about 10 procedures each week.

Another complication is that the newly replaced hip can dislocate. Johnson said it's very important to be diligent about movements, especially in the first month after the surgery. While the body is healing, it's relatively easy for the new hip to be pulled out of place. So in the beginning, patients need to be mindful of their limitations.

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About The Author:

Dr. Timothy Johnson is a successful author and regular contributor to http://www.hip-replacement-care.com. Information on hip replacement; the cause, diagnosis, symptoms, surgery and treatment for recovery and rebuilding your body.