Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgery may be considered for patients with severe hip arthritis that has not improved with more conservative methods, like medications, physical therapy, and activity modification. A hip replacement can reduce joint pain and improve a patient’s mobility so that they can more easily participate in their normal activities.

At Southern Orthopaedic Specialists, our experienced hip replacement team includes Dr. Chad Millet and Dr. Gregor Hoffman. Hip replacement procedures have been around for many decades, and have been very successful in relieving hip pain for the vast majority of patients. Our team recommends hip replacement surgery only when they feel it is the best option for the patient.

Candidates for Hip Replacement

It is necessary to get an evaluation with a qualified orthopedic surgeon to determine if you are a candidate for hip replacement surgery. However, if you are experiencing the following symptoms, we recommend scheduling an appointment:

• Pain or stiffness in the hip that limits your everyday activities
• Hip pain that continues even while at rest
• Limited range of motion in the hip due to arthritis
• Arthritis symptoms in the hip that have not improved with conservative treatments like anti-inflammatory medications, joint injections, and physical therapy

Our surgeons at Southern Orthopedic Specialists can provide an evaluation to determine whether a hip replacement is the best option for you.

Hip Replacement Procedure

During a hip replacement procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged portions of the joint and replaces them with implants designed to mimic normal hip function. Our practice offers two different approaches for hip replacement surgery, depending on the patient’s needs and preferences: the traditional posterior approach and the direct anterior approach.

The posterior approach, done by Dr. Millet, involves an incision at the posterior or back of the hip. The anterior approach, done by Dr. Hoffman, involves an incision at the anterior or front of the hip. Your doctor will discuss which is the best type of procedure for your needs.

Dr. Hoffman is also trained in robotic hip replacement using the Velys system and is one of the only surgeons in the state of Louisiana using this system. The Velys system has software that is tied to the x-ray machine that Dr. Hoffman uses during the hip replacement, so he gets real-time feedback on how to position the implant.

Recovering from Hip Replacement Surgery

After hip replacement surgery, most patients are able to return home the same day or the following day. Patients are typically up and walking the day of surgery, using a walker for assistance for the first week or two.

Multimodal pain management techniques help hip replacement patients stay comfortable so that they are able to progress in their recovery with limited use of narcotic pain medications. Multimodal pain management includes anti-inflammatory medications, nerve medications, local injections, and anesthesia. For most patients, pain is typically better after the 2-week mark.

In the first two weeks of recovery, patients may have home health come to their house to check on them. If desired, they can begin outpatient physical therapy after that point, though many patients are comfortable doing the exercises on their own at home by then.

The majority of patients are able to return to their normal activities without restrictions within 3 months, but your doctor will advise when it is safe to return to certain activities based on your progress as an individual.

Hip Replacement In New Orleans, LA & Surrounding Communities

If hip arthritis has limited your normal activities, and conservative treatments have not provided relief, the team at Southern Orthopedic Specialists is here to help. Dr. Millet and Dr. Hoffman regularly perform joint replacements and are trained in a variety of techniques and approaches to meet the need of our patients. We have 3 convenient locations to serve our patients: Uptown New Orleans, Metairie, and Slidell. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our surgeons, please call our office at (504) 897-6351 or request an appointment via our online form.