If chronic hip pain is limiting your ability to walk, sleep, or enjoy daily life, a total hip replacement may be the solution. At Portland Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Care (PVESC), we provide advanced orthopedic surgical care designed to reduce pain, restore function, and help patients return to an active, independent lifestyle.
Total hip replacement—also called total hip arthroplasty—is one of the most successful orthopedic procedures performed today. It is commonly recommended when conservative treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and injections no longer provide relief.
What Is Total Hip Replacement?
A total hip replacement is a surgical procedure that removes damaged portions of the hip joint and replaces them with artificial components.
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint:
- The ball is the head of the femur (thigh bone)
- The socket is part of the pelvis
During surgery, both the ball and socket are replaced with durable prosthetic components made from materials such as metal, ceramic, or high-grade medical plastic. These implants are designed to mimic natural joint movement and reduce friction and pain.
When Is Hip Replacement Needed?
Patients may be candidates for total hip replacement when they experience:
- Persistent hip or groin pain
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing
- Reduced range of motion in the hip
- Pain that interferes with sleep
- Loss of independence in daily activities
Common conditions leading to hip replacement include:
- Osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear arthritis)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Avascular necrosis (loss of blood supply to the hip joint)
- Hip fractures or traumatic injury
When these conditions progress, the protective cartilage in the hip wears away, causing bones to rub together and resulting in severe pain and stiffness.
Benefits of Total Hip Replacement Surgery
Total hip replacement is designed to significantly improve quality of life. Most patients experience:
- Significant reduction or elimination of hip pain
- Improved walking ability and mobility
- Increased joint stability
- Better sleep and daily comfort
- Return to low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling
Many patients report dramatic improvements within weeks, with continued recovery over several months.
What Happens During Surgery?
At PVESC, total hip replacement surgery is performed using modern orthopedic techniques to ensure safety and precision.
The procedure typically includes:
- Making a controlled incision to access the hip joint
- Removing damaged bone and cartilage
- Preparing the socket in the pelvis for an artificial cup
- Placing a metal stem into the femur
- Attaching a new ball joint to restore smooth movement
- Ensuring proper alignment and joint stability
Surgery usually takes a few hours, and many patients are able to begin walking with assistance shortly after the procedure.
Recovery After Hip Replacement
Recovery is an essential part of successful hip replacement outcomes. After surgery, patients typically begin rehabilitation quickly to regain strength and mobility.
Recovery may include:
- Guided physical therapy
- Walking assistance (walker or cane initially)
- Pain management and anti-inflammatory care
- Gradual return to normal activities
Most patients experience major improvement within 6–12 weeks, with continued healing and strengthening for up to a year.
Why Choose PVESC for Hip Replacement Surgery?
PVESC is committed to delivering high-quality orthopedic care focused on patient comfort, safety, and long-term outcomes.
Our approach emphasizes:
- Personalized surgical planning
- Modern surgical techniques
- Comprehensive pre- and post-operative care
- Focus on restoring mobility and quality of life
Our goal is not only to treat hip pain—but to help patients return to the activities they enjoy most.
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Movement
If hip pain is affecting your quality of life, you don’t have to live with it. Total hip replacement may be the solution that restores your mobility and independence.
Contact PVESC today to learn more about your treatment options and schedule a consultation with our orthopedic team.
