Hip Replacement and Revision Surgery

U.S. News & World Report High Performing Hospitals for hip fracture

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UT Southwestern Medical Center's treatment for hip fractures is rated as "High Performing" by U.S. News & World Report, placing us among the nation’s top hospitals for these procedures.

Hip replacement surgery can help relieve pain, restore movement, and improve quality of life for people with severe hip joint damage caused by advanced arthritis or other injuries or conditions. For some patients, revision surgery is needed to repair or replace a joint that has worn out years after having a hip replacement procedure.

UT Southwestern’s Orthopedic Surgery Program is advancing the quality of care for hip replacements by offering comprehensive services that are nationally recognized for excellence. Our team is led by surgeons who are skilled in hip replacement for patients of various ages and needs, from a gymnast in her teens to a retiree.

We are at the forefront of innovations to improve hip replacement surgical techniques, technology, and devices to ensure our patients benefit from the latest medical advances. As a result, UT Southwestern was one of fewer than 20 hospitals in the United States (and the only one in North Texas) chosen to receive a leading-edge robotic system being used for hip replacement surgery. This advanced technology helps our orthopedic surgeons place hip implants more precisely and decrease the impact of surgery on muscle and the pelvis around the joint. For patients, this means a smoother recovery, faster discharge, and increased movement with minimal pain, including standing and walking.

What Are Hip Replacement and Hip Revision Surgeries?

In hip replacement surgery (also known as hip arthroplasty), the surgeon replaces deteriorated cartilage or bone with an artificial joint (implant) that the doctor selects to best match the patient’s body and activities. These implants are designed to reduce pain and restore function.

Revision hip replacement surgery is performed when a previous hip replacement wears out, becomes loose, or develops complications such as infection or dislocation. Revision procedures are more complex than the original surgery.

Why Choose UT Southwestern for Hip Replacement or Revision Surgery?

At UT Southwestern, we treat the whole patient, focusing on overall health and only recommending surgery when necessary. We recommend hip replacement when nonsurgical treatments are no longer effective.

Successful total hip replacement is linked to the experience of the surgeon and the number of procedures they have performed. Orthopedic surgeons at UT Southwestern have performed thousands of hip replacement surgeries and achieved outstanding results for our patients.

Using groundbreaking technology and a comprehensive care approach, our specialists personalize the surgical experience based on each person’s hip. This results in quicker recovery times, helping our patients get back to the activities they love sooner, as well as simply walk and stand without pain.

In addition, our UT Southwestern hip replacement surgery team provides patients with the advantages of:

Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons with experience treating the full spectrum of hip injuries and conditions
Advanced imaging and diagnostic technology to accurately evaluate hip injuries and conditions and guide care decisions
Care within a leading academic medical center recognized for orthopedic expertise and innovation
A commitment to communicating. Our team is available to answer questions before and after surgery.
Effective care after surgery to help them recover and move as quickly as possible

What Are the Benefits of Hip Replacement or Revision Surgery?

These procedures can provide long-term relief and improved movement. Our hip replacement specialists use minimally invasive robotic surgery for almost all of our procedures. Benefits of minimally invasive hip replacement or hip revision surgery include:

Smaller incisions
Return to activity more quickly
Improved range of motion
Longer-lasting implants (20 to 30 years, or even longer)

Additional potential benefits of hip replacement or revision surgery include:

Reduced hip pain
Improved ability to walk, stand, and move
Better joint stability
Increased independence with daily activities
Improved quality of life

What Conditions Does a Hip Replacement Treat?

Hip replacement surgery may be recommended when hip damage causes ongoing pain or limits daily activities. Conditions treated include:

Hip arthritis, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis
Hip fractures that damage the joint
Hip dysplasia, a condition – more common in women – in which the hip socket does not fully cover or support the ball of the hip joint, leading to joint instability and uneven wear
Avascular necrosis (AVN), which occurs when reduced blood flow leads to bone damage
Hip joint damage from an injury or deformity

What Conditions Does a Hip Revision Treat?

Hip revision surgery is performed to address problems that develop after a primary hip replacement, including:

Implant wear or loosening, which can be caused by use over time
Bursitis, tendonitis, or other soft tissue pain, which can be caused by an improperly placed implant
Hip replacement failure, which is the mechanical failure of one or more implant components, leading to loss of joint function or alignment
Infection of the hip joint, which is a serious complication that often requires revision surgery to remove infected components and restore joint health
Hip instability or recurrent dislocation, which can be caused by implant position, soft tissue problems, or bone loss

What Should Patients Expect Before Hip Replacement or Revision Surgery?

Before surgery, our care team evaluates the patient’s overall health and hip joint condition. Preparation commonly includes:

Doctor, holding a tablet, talking to patient

Thorough physical examination and joint assessment
Review of medical history and medications
Imaging studies such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Presurgical testing, which may include blood work
Education on recovery, mobility aids, and rehabilitation planning

For revision surgery patients, we also perform:

Specialized computed tomography (CT) scans and/or bone scans to assess loose implants
Fluoroscopy to determine if the implant is affecting soft tissue

Our multidisciplinary approach to care includes:

Physical therapy before surgery
Joint replacement education to help patients prepare for surgery

Some patients may be asked to adjust medications or address other health concerns before surgery.

Patients are provided with our UT Southwestern Patient Journey Guide, which explains what to expect and how to prepare for hip replacement surgery. The guide includes a list of equipment needed, requirements before surgery, and explanations of the surgery and recovery.

UT Southwestern’s Total Hip Arthroplasty Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program is designed to help patients return to health more quickly after undergoing the procedure.

What Should Patients Expect During Hip Replacement Surgery?

Surgery typically involves removing damaged joint surfaces and placing an artificial ball, socket, liner, and stem. The procedure takes about one to two hours and is performed under anesthesia, which keeps patients comfortable and prevents pain during surgery. UT Southwestern uses nerve blocks and local injections to help reduce pain, lessening the need for opioids and helping patients recover more quickly.

Our hip replacement surgeons use the latest robotic surgery equipment and software, along with CT scans, to guide them during the procedure. These tools allow us to precisely plan the surgery ahead of time, resulting in better outcomes. Our surgeons guide the robot during surgery and adjust the plan on an individual basis.

Patients usually go home the same day that they have a hip replacement but may stay overnight, depending on circumstances.

Revision surgery is more complex than initial hip replacement. It may involve removing one or more existing implants, repairing bone loss, and placing new components. Using the robotic surgery system and planning software, we see fewer complications (2%-5% versus 20%-40% for traditional revision surgery). Hip revision surgery takes two to five hours, depending on the complexity. A majority of patients go home the day they undergo surgery.

What Should Patients Expect After a Hip Replacement?

Following hip surgery, our team of nurses and therapists works closely with our surgeons to provide patients with successful rehabilitation.

After surgery, patients may expect:

Pain management with medication and other therapies
Early movement and walking with assistance
Physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility
Gradual return to daily activities
Follow-up visits to monitor healing and implant function

It’s normal to experience pain after surgery. Postoperative pain relief focuses on non-narcotic methods, including nerve blocks, local injections, and medication – which speeds recovery and limits side effects.

We customize our rehabilitation programs to meet each patient’s needs, with a goal of easing the transition from the hospital to home. If needed, a social worker can help arrange for home assistance services, such as in-home therapy and nursing care, as well as attendants to help with daily living needs.

In general, the recovery phases are:

First two to three weeks: Activities are limited and patients will likely use crutches or a walker.
Weeks three to 12: Patients should see steady functional improvement and more activities are allowed.
After three to four months: Patients return to full activity.

Family members also play a vital role in a patient’s rehabilitation. Our staff provides families with information about support groups and other resources that are an integral part of our rehabilitation program for all joint replacement patients.

What Support Services for Hip Replacements and Revisions Does UT Southwestern Offer?

Support services are designed to guide patients through every stage of care and include:

Physical therapy and rehabilitation programs
Pain management services
Care coordination before and after surgery
Education resources for recovery and long-term joint health

Is Hip Replacement Surgery Right for Me?

At UT Southwestern, our team provides relief and treatment options for patients who have trouble walking, standing, getting out of chairs, or enjoying activities they love.

Our first step in determining the approach to individualized care is to evaluate how much damage there is to the cartilage and bone in a patient’s hip. We then discuss treatment options and only recommend hip replacement after determining that nonsurgical care, such as physical therapy, injections, and/or medications, will not be effective.

What Clinical Trials Are Available for Hip Replacements and Revisions?

UT Southwestern participates in clinical research focused on improving joint replacement techniques, implant performance, and recovery outcomes.

Our doctors are currently involved in device development and the testing of new features of the robot used for surgery. They are also participating in clinical trials aimed at better treating infections and preventing blood clots after surgery.

Clinical trials may be available for eligible patients, depending on their diagnosis and treatment plan. Ask our doctors about current studies or search for clinical trials.

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