Total Hip Replacement
Total Hip Replacement in Oklahoma City
Dr. Paul Jacob is a fellowship-trained hip and knee replacement specialist providing total hip replacement in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. With advanced training in adult reconstruction at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Jacob specializes in treating painful, damaged hip joints using individualized surgical plans and, when appropriate, minimally invasive, robotic-assisted and outpatient techniques.
If hip arthritis is making walking, exercising, working or performing everyday activities difficult, a comprehensive evaluation can help determine whether total hip replacement may be right for you.
What Is Total Hip Replacement?
Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged portions of the hip joint with artificial components. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the head of the femur, or thighbone, and the acetabulum, the socket in the pelvis. Healthy cartilage normally allows these surfaces to move smoothly.
Arthritis and other conditions can damage this cartilage, causing the bones to rub against each other. This can lead to pain, stiffness, reduced mobility and difficulty with everyday activities.
During total hip replacement, the damaged femoral head and damaged surface of the acetabulum are removed and replaced with prosthetic components. The goal is to reduce pain and restore hip function.
What Are the Benefits of Total Hip Replacement?
For appropriately selected patients, total hip replacement can provide significant improvements in pain, mobility and quality of life. Potential benefits include:
- Relief from chronic hip pain
- Improved walking and mobility
- Greater range of motion
- Improved ability to perform everyday activities
- A return to appropriate recreational activities
- Improved quality of life
- Reduced dependence on treatments that have no longer provided adequate relief
Results vary between patients, and recovery depends on factors including overall health, activity level and adherence to postoperative recommendations.
When Is Total Hip Replacement Recommended?
Total hip replacement may be recommended when hip joint damage causes persistent symptoms that significantly interfere with daily life and non-surgical treatment is no longer providing sufficient relief. It may be considered for patients with:
- Advanced osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis affecting the hip
- Traumatic arthritis following an injury
- Significant cartilage loss and joint degeneration
- Severe hip pain that limits daily activities
- Stiffness and loss of hip function
- Hip symptoms that have not responded adequately to conservative treatment
Dr. Jacob evaluates each patient individually before recommending surgery.
What Does Preparation for Total Hip Replacement Involve?
Preparation begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your hip, medical history, symptoms and activity goals. Imaging, such as X-rays, may be used to assess the condition of the joint and determine the extent of damage.
Before surgery, patients may be advised to optimize their overall health, review medications with their medical team, address relevant medical conditions and prepare their home for recovery. Understanding the rehabilitation process and arranging appropriate support at home can also help make recovery smoother.
Your surgical team will provide specific instructions regarding eating, drinking, medications and other preparations before the procedure.
How Is Total Hip Replacement Performed?
Total hip replacement is performed under anesthesia. The surgeon accesses the hip joint and removes the damaged femoral head. The damaged surface of the acetabulum is then prepared to receive the artificial socket component.
A metal or other appropriate acetabular component is placed into the socket, with a liner positioned inside it. The femur is prepared to accommodate the femoral stem, which supports an artificial femoral head. The new components are positioned to create a functioning artificial hip joint.
Dr. Jacob may use minimally invasive or robotic-assisted techniques when appropriate. Robotic technology can assist with surgical planning and intraoperative guidance, while the specific approach is selected according to each patient's anatomy and clinical needs.
What to Expect During Recovery After Total Hip Replacement?
Recovery begins shortly after surgery, with movement and rehabilitation introduced according to your individual treatment plan. Physical therapy and prescribed exercises can help restore strength, mobility and function.
Patients should follow their surgeon's instructions regarding walking, exercise, wound care and activity restrictions. Some patients may qualify for outpatient hip replacement and return home the same day, while others may require a hospital stay.
Recovery is progressive. Although many patients notice improvement relatively early, complete recovery can take several months.
What Are the Risks and Complications of Total Hip Replacement?
Total hip replacement is generally successful, but like any major surgery, it carries potential risks. These may include:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Hip dislocation
- Fracture
- Nerve or blood vessel injury
- Leg-length differences
- Implant loosening or wear
- Persistent pain
- Implant failure
- Need for revision surgery
- Scar formation
Dr. Jacob will discuss the potential benefits and risks of surgery and answer your questions before treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Paul Jacob for Total Hip Replacement in Oklahoma City?
Dr. Paul Jacob is a Cleveland Clinic-trained adult reconstruction specialist whose practice focuses on hip and knee replacement. His expertise includes primary and revision joint replacement, robotic-assisted surgery, minimally invasive techniques and outpatient joint replacement.
Patients considering total hip replacement in Oklahoma City may benefit from:
- Fellowship training in adult reconstruction at the Cleveland Clinic
- A dedicated focus on hip and knee reconstruction
- Experience with robotic-assisted hip replacement
- Minimally invasive surgical options when appropriate
- Outpatient hip replacement for eligible patients
- Individualized treatment planning
- A focus on patient education and recovery
Total Hip Replacement FAQs
How do I know if I need a total hip replacement?
Persistent hip pain, stiffness and loss of function may indicate advanced joint damage. An evaluation with a hip replacement specialist can determine whether surgery or another treatment is appropriate.
Is total hip replacement a major surgery?
Yes. Total hip replacement is a major surgical procedure, although advances in surgical techniques and postoperative care have made recovery more predictable for many patients.
Is robotic hip replacement better?
Robotic assistance can provide additional planning and intraoperative guidance for appropriately selected patients. It is not necessary or appropriate for every patient.
Can I go home the same day after hip replacement?
Some appropriately selected patients can undergo outpatient hip replacement and return home the same day. Your eligibility depends on your health, procedure and individual circumstances.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies, but many patients gradually resume normal daily activities over several weeks, with continued improvement over the following months.
Total Hip Replacement in Oklahoma City
If hip arthritis is limiting your mobility or preventing you from doing the activities you enjoy, Dr. Paul Jacob provides specialized total hip replacement care in Oklahoma City. His Cleveland Clinic training, focus on adult reconstruction and experience with advanced hip replacement techniques allow him to develop an individualized treatment plan for each patient.
Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Paul Jacob to learn whether total hip replacement may help relieve your hip pain and restore your mobility.
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