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The Orthopaedic Associates of St. Augustine’s Joint Center features board certified joint replacement surgeons that specializes in full and partial replacements of the hips and knees.

What you need to know about Hip Replacements

A hip replacement or resurfacing is performed when the joint has worn out.  Often there are procedures that are done prior to joint replacement to improve function.  These include physical therapy, injections and arthroplasty.

There are many different techniques to replace a worn out hip.  Resurfacing covers the upper part of the femur and the acetabulum (hip socket.)  A replacement provides a component to replace the femur while also resurfacing the acetabulum.

Advances in hip surgery have helped minimize the surgical scar and operative time.  Most procedures are now done through a muscle sparing technique and often use fluoroscopic or computer guided techniques.

Pain, lack of mobility and failure of conservative management are often the indicators for a patient to seek care of their hips.  Radiographs (X-Rays) can show the amount of arthritis and help direct the appropriate care.

Surgery and Recovery

Surgery is typically done under monitored anesthetic care.  A regional block is utilized in most cases to avoid a tube down your throat.  This allows faster rehabilitation with less pain.  The rehabilitation physical therapists can then utilize an aggressive recovery protocol.

Most patients spend two to three days in the hospital and are discharged with Home Health Care follow-up.

Return to full activity is encouraged after muscular control is achieved.  Current joint replacements have a less than 1% per year failure rate. (More than 70% chance of survival after 30 years.)

A coordinated surgical and rehabilitation team is an important part of the recovery process.  Flagler Hospital has developed a “Center of Excellence” for its joint replacement department.  Dedicated operating room staff, recovery and post-operative orthopaedic care are made up of highly trained operative teams and nurses.  Home or rehab care with follow up physical therapy is an important part of bringing each patient back to their full potential.

If you would like additional information about hip replacements, feel free to contact us and make an appointment to meet with our hip specialist.

Paul Roettges, MD
A member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Knee and Hip Surgeries, Dr. Roettges performs hip and knee replacements as well as complex unresolved hip and knee pain.