The hip is one of the largest weight-bearing joints. It consists of two main parts: a ball ( femoral head ) at the top of thighbone ( femur ) that fits into a rounded socket ( acetabulum ) in pelvis. Bands of tissue called ligaments ( hip capsule ) connect the ball to the socket and provide stability to the joint.

The bone surfaces of ball and socket have a smooth durable cover of articular cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones and enables them to move easily.

A thin, smooth tissue called synovial membrane covers all remaining surfaces of the hip joint. In a healthy hip, this membrane makes a small amount of fluid that lubricates and almost eliminates friction in hip joint.

Normal Hip Joint

Normally, all of these parts of hip work in harmony, allowing to move easily and without pain.

The most common cause of chronic hip pain and disability is arthritis - Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and traumatic arthritis.

1. Hip pain limits your everyday activities such as walking or bending.
   
2. Hip pain continues while resting, either day or night
   
3. Stiffness in a hip limits your ability to move or lift your leg.
   
4. You have little pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs or glucosamine sulfate.
   
5. You have harmful or unpleasant side effects from medications.
   
6. Other treatments such as physical therapy or the use of a gait aid such as a cane don't relieve hip pain.

An important factor in deciding whether to have hip replacement surgery is to understand what this procedure can and can't do.

Most people who undergo hip replacement surgery experience a dramatic reduction of hip pain and a significant improvement in their ability to perform the common activities of daily living.

Following surgery, you will be advised to avoid certain activities, including jogging and high-impact sports, for the rest of your life. You may be asked to avoid specific positions of the joint that could lead to dislocation.

Even with normal use and activities, an artificial joint (prosthesis) develops some wear over time. If you participate in high-impact activities or are overweight, this wear may accelerate and cause the prosthesis to loosen and become painful.

Preparing Skin - Skin should not have any infections or irritations before surgery. If either is present, contact me for a program to improve your skin before your surgery.

Medications - Tell me about the medications you are taking. I will advise you which medications you should stop or can continue taking before surgery. The blood thinning medications to be stopped 7 days prior to surgery.

Dental Evaluation- Although infections after hip replacement are not common, an infection can occur if bacteria enter your bloodstream. Because bacteria can enter the bloodstream during dental procedures, you should consider getting treatment for significant dental diseases (including tooth extractions and periodontal work) before your hip replacement surgery. Routine cleaning of your teeth should be delayed for several weeks after surgery.

Urinary Evaluation - Individuals with a history of recent or frequent urinary infections and older men with prostate disease should consider a urological evaluation before surgery.

Social Planning - Although you will be able to walk with crutches or a walker soon after surgery, you will need some help for several weeks with such tasks as cooking, shopping, bathing and laundry. One has to arrange help for all these purpose.

Home Planning
Here are some items and home modifications that will make your return home easier during your recovery.

1.Securely fastened safety bars or handrails in your shower or    bed.
2.Secure handrails along all stairways.
3.A stable chair for your early recovery with a firm seat cushion    that allows your knees to remain lower than your hips, a firm    back and two arms.
4.A raised toilet seat.
5.A stable shower bench or chair for bathing.
6.A long-handled sponge and shower hose.
7.A dressing stick, a sock aid and a long-handled shoe horn for    putting on and taking off shoes and socks without excessively    bending your new hip.
8.A reacher that will allow you to grab objects without excessive    bending of your hips.
9.Firm pillows to sit on that keep your knees lower than your hips    for your chairs, sofas and car.
10.Removal of all loose carpets and electrical cords from the    areas where you walk in your home.

You will most likely be admitted to the hospital on the day of your surgery and will remain there for total five to seven days.

The success of your surgery will depend in large measure on how well you follow my instructions regarding home care during the first few weeks after surgery

Wound Care - You will have stitches or staples running along your wound or a suture beneath your skin. The stitches or staples will be removed about two weeks after surgery.

Avoid getting the wound wet until it has thoroughly sealed and dried. A bandage may be placed over the wound to prevent irritation from clothing or support stockings.

Diet - Some loss of appetite is common for several weeks after surgery. A balanced diet, often with an iron supplement, is important to promote proper tissue healing and restore muscle strength. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids.

Activity - Exercise is a critical component of home care, particularly during the first few weeks after surgery. You should be able to resume most normal light activities of daily living within three to six weeks following surgery. Some discomfort with activity and at night is common for several weeks.
Your activity program should include:

1.A graduated walking program, initially in your home and later   outside.
2.Walking program to slowly increase your mobility and   endurance.
3.Resuming other normal household activities.
4.Resuming sitting, standing, walking up and down stairs.
5.Specific exercises several times a day to restore movement.
6.Specific exercises several times a day to strength your hip joint.
7.May wish to have a physical therapist help you at home.