Hip Replacement

Andrew B Richardson, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon & Knee and Hip Replacement Specialist located in Honolulu, HI; Waipio, HI; & Kahului, HI

If you have severe arthritis in your hips, at some point, conservative treatments may no longer provide the relief from pain and stiffness you need. When this happens, skilled orthopedic surgeon Andrew B. Richardson, MD, can provide technically advanced, minimally invasive hip replacements for men and women in Honolulu, Waipio, and Kahului, Hawaii. Call the practice nearest you today to find out how you could benefit from Dr. Richardson’s expertise, or book an appointment online.

Hip Replacement Q & A

Why would I need a hip replacement?

Hip replacement is an effective treatment for patients who have severe hip damage or deterioration when other treatments aren’t suitable or are no longer working.

The hip is the largest joint in your body, and you use it in almost everything you do. If you have pain and limited mobility in your hip, the everyday activities you take for granted become extremely difficult and sometimes impossible. 

Activities you’re likely to have issues with if you have hip problems include:

  • Sitting down
  • Standing up
  • Walking
  • Getting out of bed
  • Getting dressed
  • Getting in and out of a car

Most patients can benefit from nonsurgical treatments for hip problems, such as physical therapy, medication, and joint injections. However, over time, the effectiveness of these treatments decrease, until they no longer prove useful.

At this stage, Dr. Richardson can discuss hip replacement surgery with you.

What causes hip pain?

Hip pain is often due to arthritis. There are many forms of arthritis, but the most widespread are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis causes inflammation in the joints, due to the destruction of the protective layers of cartilage on the ends of your bones. Without the cartilage to enable them to move free of friction, bones rub against each other, leading to inflammation.

The result is chronic and worsening pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints. Hip pain can be particularly disabling and hard to relieve, as there are few ways in which you can take all your weight off the hip joints.

Hip pain and disability could also be due to traumatic injury, avascular necrosis of the bone, or congenital hip problems.

How is hip replacement surgery carried out?

Total hip replacement involves removing the worn-out hip socket and the ball of the femur (femoral head) and replacing them with an artificial ball and socket. The new hip is capable of re-creating the smooth motion of the joint in a similar fashion to a natural, healthy hip.

Dr. Richardson is skilled in multiple approaches to performing hip replacement surgery, including the direct anterior approach, a minimally invasive alternative approach for hip replacement surgery when appropriate. 

The advantages of a minimally invasive approach include:

  • Less tissue damage
  • Less pain
  • Shorter time in hospital
  • Quicker recovery time
  • Less scarring

If you are having chronic or severe hip pain and would like to discuss hip replacement surgery, make an appointment with Andrew B. Richardson, MD, to discuss your options. Call today or book an appointment online.

What is revision hip replacement?

Total hip replacement is considered to be one of the most successful procedures in modern medicine. Over time, the components of a hip replacement can wear out, loosen or  develop other faults, making the hip joint:

  • Stiff
  • Unstable
  • Painful
  • Dislocate

If this happens, additional surgery to remove and replace components of the hip prosthesis is sometimes necessary.  This surgery is called a revision total hip replacement. This surgery has the same goals as a primary hip replacement, however, these surgical procedures are often longer, more complex procedures that require extensive planning and experience to perform.  

Dr. Richardson has subspecialty training and extensive experience in evaluating, understanding and treating these complex issues.

If you’re experiencing problems with your existing hip replacement, call the office of Andrew B. Richardson, MD, today or book an appointment online.