Total Hip Replacement in New Bern, NC
If hip arthritis is causing ongoing pain, stiffness, or difficulty with walking and everyday activities, Total Hip Replacement in New Bern, NC may provide an effective solution when conservative treatments no longer offer sufficient relief. Dr. Chris Hoedt specializes in adult hip and knee reconstruction and provides personalized care for patients with advanced hip arthritis and other conditions affecting the hip joint. Serving patients throughout Eastern North Carolina, Dr. Hoedt evaluates your symptoms, imaging, overall health, and individual goals to determine whether total hip replacement is appropriate and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- New Bern
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What is Total Hip Replacement?
Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the hip joint and replaced with artificial components. The main indication for total hip replacement is arthritis.
Arthritis is the inflammation of joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness and limited movement. Hip arthritis is a common cause of chronic hip pain and disability.
Symptoms of Arthritis
The most common symptom of hip arthritis is joint pain and stiffness, resulting in a limited range of motion. Vigorous activity can increase pain and stiffness, which may cause limping while walking.
Diagnosis of Arthritis
Diagnosis is made by evaluating your medical history, performing a physical examination and taking X-rays of the arthritic joint.
Total Hip Replacement Procedure
Surgery may be recommended if conservative treatment options such as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy do not relieve your symptoms.
The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. During the procedure, a surgical cut is made over the hip to expose the hip joint and the femur is dislocated from the acetabulum. The surface of the socket is cleaned and the damaged or arthritic bone removed using a reamer. The acetabular component is inserted into the socket using screws, or occasionally, bone cement. A liner made of plastic, ceramic or metal is placed inside the acetabular component.
The femur or thighbone is then prepared by removing the arthritic bone using special instruments to exactly fit the new metal femoral component. The femoral component is then inserted to the femur either by a press fit or using bone cement. Then the femoral head component made of metal or ceramic is placed on the femoral stem. All the new parts are secured in place using special cement. The muscles and tendons around the new joint are repaired and the incision is closed.
Postoperative Care following Total Hip Replacement
After undergoing total hip replacement, you must take special care to prevent the new joint from dislocating and ensure proper healing. Some of the common precautions to be taken include:
- Avoid the combined movement of bending your hip and turning your foot inwards
- Keep a pillow between your legs while sleeping for 6 weeks
- Never cross your legs and bend your hips past a right angle (90)
- Avoid sitting on a low chair
- Avoid bending down to pick up things; instead, a grabber can be used to do so
- Use an elevated toilet seat
Dr. Chris Hoedt Orthopaedic Surgeon Hip & Knee Replacement Specialist
Dr. Hoedt specializes in hip and knee replacement and revisions (redos). His fellowship was in Adult Reconstruction at the University of Pennsylvania. He enjoys doing research and helps select articles for publication in some of the top adult reconstruction journals. Dr. Hoedt practiced in Nashville, TN for a couple of years before deploying with the US Army.
Risks and Complications of Total Hip Replacement
As with any major surgical procedure, there are certain potential risks and complications involved with total hip replacement surgery. The possible complications after total hip replacement may include:
- Infection
- Dislocation
- Fracture of the femur or pelvis
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels
- Formation of blood clots in the leg veins
- Leg length inequality
- Wearing out of the hip prosthesis
- Failure to relieve pain
- Scar formation
- Pressure sores
Why Choose Dr. Hoedt for Total Hip Replacement in New Bern, NC?
Choosing an experienced orthopedic surgeon is an important decision when considering total hip replacement. Dr. Chris Hoedt specializes in adult hip and knee reconstruction and provides focused care for patients with conditions affecting the hip joint.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Hoedt:
- Adult Reconstruction Specialist: Focused expertise in hip and knee reconstruction, including total hip replacement.
- Personalized Treatment: Treatment recommendations are based on your symptoms, imaging, overall health, lifestyle, and recovery goals.
- Specialized Hip Replacement Care: Experience treating patients with advanced hip arthritis and other conditions that may require joint replacement.
- Modern Surgical Techniques: Utilizes contemporary approaches and technologies when appropriate for the patient's condition.
- Comprehensive Evaluation: Careful assessment helps determine whether surgery or another treatment option is most appropriate.
- Focus on Mobility and Function: Treatment is designed to help reduce pain and improve mobility and quality of life.
- Serving Eastern North Carolina: Provides specialized joint replacement care for patients in Greenville, Pitt County, and surrounding communities.
Total Hip Replacement FAQs
When is total hip replacement recommended?
Total hip replacement may be recommended when severe hip arthritis or other joint damage causes ongoing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility that does not improve adequately with nonsurgical treatments such as medications, physical therapy, and activity modification.
What are the common symptoms that may indicate the need for hip replacement?
Common symptoms include persistent hip pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, difficulty walking, limping, and pain that interferes with sleep or everyday activities. An orthopedic evaluation can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.
How is a patient evaluated for total hip replacement?
Your evaluation may include a review of your medical history and symptoms, a physical examination, and imaging such as X-rays. These findings help your surgeon assess the condition of the hip joint and determine an appropriate treatment plan.
What can I expect during total hip replacement surgery?
During surgery, the damaged portions of the hip joint are removed and replaced with artificial components. The damaged femoral head is replaced with a prosthetic component, while the damaged surface of the hip socket is replaced with an artificial socket and liner.
What are the risks of total hip replacement?
As with any major surgery, total hip replacement carries potential risks. These may include infection, blood clots, dislocation, fracture, nerve or blood vessel injury, leg-length differences, implant wear, persistent pain, and other surgical complications. Your surgeon will discuss the potential risks and benefits before treatment.
Schedule a Total Hip Replacement Consultation in New Bern, NC
If hip arthritis is making it difficult to walk, exercise, sleep, or enjoy everyday activities, Dr. Chris Hoedt can evaluate your condition and discuss appropriate treatment options. Patients seeking total hip replacement in New Bern, NC, as well as throughout Eastern North Carolina, can receive specialized adult reconstruction care focused on improving hip function and mobility. Contact Dr. Hoedt today to schedule a consultation and learn whether total hip replacement may be an appropriate option for your hip pain.
- New Bern
- Request An Appointment
