Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis. It refers to joint pain or joint disease. Osteoarthritis affects tissue that covers the ends of bones in joints (cartilage). Cartilage acts as a cushion between the bones and helps them move smoothly. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage in the joints gets worn down. Osteoarthritis is sometimes called "wear and tear" arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs most often in older people and is a condition that gets worse over time. The joints most often affected by this condition are in the fingers, toes, hips, knees, and spine, including the neck and lower back.

Total hip replacement is a surgery to remove damaged cartilage in your hip joint and replace it with an artificial (prosthetic) hip joint. The hip is a ball-and-socket type of joint with two main parts. The ball of the joint (femoral head) is the top of the thighbone (femur). The socket of the joint is a large, hollow area on the outer side of your pelvis (acetabulum) where the femur and pelvis meet.

During total hip replacement, one or both parts of the hip joint are replaced, depending on the type of joint damage that you have. The purpose of this surgery is to reduce pain and improve your hip function.
Doctors recommend joint replacement surgery when hip pain and loss of function become severe and when conservative treatments no longer relieve pain. Your doctor will use X-rays to look at the bones and cartilage and determine appropriate treatment.

Your new hip will give you freedom to move in ways you haven’t for a long time. Getting the new hip to work well for you will involve more than just surgery. Our experience shows that two other factors will make a big difference:

• First, choose a friend or family member as your "coach" to provide encouragement and support throughout the process. 
• Second, you and your coach should learn what to expect by attending our pre-surgery joint replacement education class. It’s best to attend 2-3 weeks prior to your surgery, and if possible, before your final pre-operative appointment with your doctor in case you have additional questions.

It takes a village to make sure you’re well cared for throughout the entire hip replacement process. Learn more about the team that’s committed to providing you a safe, successful, and positive experience.

Your hip replacement journey will continue after you’re discharged from the hospital. Learn more about how we’ll help prepare you and your coach for the most successful recovery possible.