Hip Replacement Options

Personalized Approaches to Hip Replacement

When hip pain makes it hard to walk the dog, go to the store or even get a good night’s sleep, it can feel like your world is getting smaller. At Rutherford Regional Health System, we understand how frustrating and isolating that can be.

Whether you want to return to work, your favorite activity or simply move without pain, we’ll help you choose the best treatment and surgical approach based on your anatomy, condition and lifestyle goals.

Surgical Treatment Options

Hip replacement surgery restores a damaged joint by replacing it with a metal, ceramic or plastic implant. The goal is to relieve pain, restore movement and help patients return to daily activities.

We provide a full range of surgical solutions for hip joint conditions, including:

• Total hip replacement
• Partial hip replacement
• Hip resurfacing
• Revision hip replacement surgery

Hip Replacement Approaches

Anterior: Front of the Hip

The anterior approach is a minimally invasive hip replacement technique that allows the surgeon to access the joint from the front of the hip. By working between muscles, rather than cutting through them, this method may reduce tissue disruption and support a faster recovery for some patients.

While many are good candidates for an anterior hip replacement, it is not the best option for everyone. Your surgeon will evaluate your anatomy, medical history and goals to determine whether this approach is best for you.

Posterior: Back of the Hip

The posterior approach has been the standard technique for hip replacement for many years. The incision is made near the buttocks on the back of the hip.

This approach is widely used because it provides excellent visibility of the joint, making it highly effective for many patients and a reliable choice for complex cases. It has a strong track record of success and remains one of the most common approaches in hip replacement surgery.

Lateral: Side of the Hip

The lateral approach uses a side incision on the hip. Like the posterior method, it has been used for many years and offers good joint visibility.

The lateral approach has historically provided high stability after surgery. While newer techniques have improved stability in other methods, the lateral approach remains a good choice based on your specific needs.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Before recommending surgery, your orthopaedic provider usually begins with conservative treatments to relieve hip pain and improve mobility.

Non-surgical options may include:

• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Activity modification
• Joint injections
• Weight management
• Assistive devices, such as canes or walkers

If these treatments stop providing relief, hip replacement surgery may be recommended.

Is Hip Replacement Right for You?

You may be a candidate for hip replacement if you experience:

• Persistent hip pain that limits daily activities
• Hip stiffness that reduces mobility
• Pain that continues despite medication or therapy
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs or standing
• Pain that interferes with sleep
• Advanced arthritis or joint damage seen on imaging

A consultation with an orthopaedic provider can help determine the best treatment for your condition.

Schedule a Consultation

If hip pain affects your quality of life, the Rutherford Regional orthopaedic team is here to help.

Schedule a consultation with one of our orthopaedic providers to discuss your treatment options and determine whether hip replacement surgery may be right for you.