Hip Replacement Surgeon Near Massapequa, NY

Hip replacement surgery is a procedure during which diseased or damaged parts of the hip joint are removed by a surgeon and replaced with artificial components called a prosthesis. While most older patients will receive a complete hip replacement if a degenerative condition like arthritis is the underlying cause of their pain, some patients may choose to undergo a partial hip replacement if only one part of their hip has been damaged. This is most common in younger patients who have sustained a localized fracture in one portion of the joint. Hip replacement surgery is done primarily only when other less invasive treatment options have been exhausted without effect.

As with any surgical procedure, there is always a risk of complication, however slight. Blood clots and infection are the two most serious complications a patient could face. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics and blood thinners to help avoid these, and it is important to speak with them if you have a history of blood clots or other conditions prior to your surgery. For patients who have undergone a hip replacement surgery, the most common complication following their procedure is dislocation of their new hip. Your surgeon will provide you with information to help you avoid a dislocation after your surgery. Some precautions include avoiding certain activities until your hip is fully healed, not crossing your legs, and not bending your hips more than 90 degrees until they are fully healed. Depending on your overall physical condition, you may need to follow these precautions for anywhere from 6-10 weeks. Hip replacement recipients should avoid extreme flexion of the hip indefinitely.

Your hip replacement surgery is far more likely to be a total success than not. More than 90% of patients who undergo hip replacement will never require another surgery to address issues with their hip. In general, hip replacement prostheses are expected to last anywhere from 15-20 years before wearing away of the joint surface could become problematic. However, for some patients, a revision procedure may be required if joint erosion causes chronic pain or leads to failure of the prosthetic device. Revision surgery is typically only performed if absolutely necessary because it is a more complex procedure with limited benefits. If you experience fracture, dislocation, or infection in your new hip, a revision surgery may be necessary.

If you are looking for an experienced hip replacement surgeon contact  Dr. Paul Dicpinigaitis MD (DR. D)  to schedule a consultation. Dr. Paul Dicpinigaitis MD (DR. D) is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who can help you understand your hip replacement options and ensure you achieve the best possible treatment outcome.