According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) over 332,000 hip replacement procedures are performed in the United States every year. As the baby boomer generation continues to age, doctors expect the demand for hip replacements to increase exponentially.

Hip replacement surgery involves removing the head of the thighbone (femur) and replacing the ball-and-socket mechanism of the hip with prosthetic implants. The goal of the procedure is to relieve pain and improve mobility. The minimally invasive approach to hip replacement allows Dr. Ahluwalia to perform hip replacement surgery through two very small incisions rather than a large incision.

With minimally invasive hip replacement, patients typically experience less pain than with traditional hip replacement surgery. The process of recovery and rehabilitation is often faster as well.

Want to schedule a hip replacement consultation with Dr. Ahluwalia? Call 310.651.7099 today.

Why Have Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement?

Osteoarthritis – a type of degenerative joint disease – is the most common reason people seek hip replacement. Other conditions that can cause irreversible damage to the hip include:

  • Loss of the blood supply to the head of the thighbone
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Injury
  • Infection
  • Developmental abnormalities of the hip

Individuals with a higher risk for hip arthritis or degenerative joint disease include:

  • People who are obese
  • People with a family history of hip problems
  • People who have experienced prior hip injury or trauma
  • People with inflammatory or autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus

Signs and Symptoms of Hip Damage

The most common reason people need hip replacement surgery is osteoarthritis. The symptoms of hip arthritis often include pain that is:

  • dull and aching felt in the groin, thigh, buttock, or knee
  • worse with time and activity
  • disruptive of sleep

Hip Pain and Hip Damage Diagnosis

During your appointment, Dr. Ahluwalia will thoroughly discuss your past medical history, focusing mainly on the hip. He will also conduct a thorough physical examination with added focus on the hip and leg. Finally, imaging tests will likely be ordered to get a better look at the hip joint and to confirm the diagnosis.

  • Medical History – a focused medical history can help determine the cause of pain and appropriate treatment method.
  • Physical Examination – a thorough physical exam with range of motion tests for your leg and hip can help determine whether you are a good candidate for minimally invasive hip replacement.
  • Imaging Studies – X-rays may show a loss of cartilage in the hip socket and a “bone-on-bone” appearance. Additional tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, may be ordered to help confirm the diagnosis.

What Happens During Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement?

During a minimally invasive hip replacement procedure, Dr. Ahluwalia first makes two small incisions – one on the side of the hip and one in the back. From here Dr. Ahluwalia is able to clearly view and access the underlying hip structures. In the traditional hip replacement technique, a much larger incision is needed to reach the hip.

Using advanced techniques, Dr. Ahluwalia will then access the hip by pushing the muscle aside and removing the damaged portion of the joint. The “ball-and-socket” mechanism of the hip is replaced with a prosthetic device.

Advantages of Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement

Minimally invasive hip replacement offers a number of advantages over traditional hip replacement surgery. These advantages include:

  • Less damage to surrounding tissue
  • Smaller incisions and smaller scars
  • Faster recovery
  • Easier rehabilitation
  • Shorter hospital stay

Recovery from Hip Replacement Surgery

Once the hip replacement procedure has been completed you will rest in the recovery room until the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Patients often spend one to three days in the hospital after surgery. Before you’re discharged, Dr. Ahluwalia will discuss a recovery plan, detailing medications, limitations, follow up appointments, and physical therapy. The total recovery time is approximately 3-4 months.

Contact a Hip Replacement Surgeon in Beverly Hills

Do you suffer from hip pain due to osteoarthritis or some other hip condition? Call Dr. Ahluwalia today to learn more or to schedule an appointment.