Hip Replacement
Hip Replacement at UVM Health
A hip replacement (hip arthroplasty) is a surgery to replace a damaged hip joint with artificial parts. It is one of the most common and successful orthopedic surgeries. At University of Vermont Health, we combine skill in the latest hip replacement techniques with compassionate care to achieve excellent outcomes.
Our hip surgeons have completed additional fellowships in hip and knee replacements and performed thousands of total hip replacements, making us one of the most experienced teams in the region. Our goal is to get you back to doing the things you enjoy.
Why Choose UVM Health?
As one of the leading orthopedic programs in the region, we offer:
- Leading-edge techniques: Our surgeons are skilled in advanced approaches to joint replacement, including anterior and robot-assisted hip replacements. You benefit from less pain and a faster recovery.
- Holistic care: We work to help you optimize your health before surgery, leading to a better outcome. You may work with other subspecialists, such as cardiologists or endocrinologists, to manage chronic conditions and improve your health. Physical therapy helps you improve your strength, mobility and function both before and after surgery.
- Research emphasis: As part of a health system anchored by an academic medical center, our physicians are active researchers involved in teaching and training to bring you the latest therapies.
- Optimized outcomes: Before and after surgery, we use strategies shown to improve outcomes, including non-opioid pain management. We use special techniques to decrease blood loss and infection during and after surgery.
I was impressed with the entire team for my hip surgery. They spoke with me before the procedure and provided reassurance and comfort when I was feeling anxious - that meant a lot.
Conditions We Treat with Hip Replacement
Most hip replacements are performed to treat advanced osteoarthritis. Hip arthritis occurs when the protective covering between bones (cartilage) wears away, causing severe pain and stiffness. Less common reasons for hip replacement include:
- Avascular necrosis: This occurs when blood supply to the hip is cut off, causing your bone tissue to die.
- Hip fracture: Sometimes a hip replacement is used to treat a severe fracture that has affected blood supply to your hip joint. These types of injuries are less likely to heal properly and may benefit from hip replacement.
Robotic Orthopedic Surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery offers exceptional precision and control, leading to more accurate procedures that preserve healthy tissue, prevent blood loss and help you recover faster.
What to Expect During a Hip Replacement
Your surgeon may ask you to improve your health before hip replacement surgery. For example, they may recommend losing weight, quitting smoking or better controlling chronic diseases like diabetes. You may also work with a physical therapist before the procedure. A physical therapist helps you improve strength and overall function, which can lead to a smoother recovery.
Our surgeons use an anterior approach to hip replacement (meaning the incision is in the front) for most patients. They can also use minimally invasive techniques to operate through smaller incisions. These techniques offer multiple benefits, including:
- Fewer postoperative restrictions
- Less pain
- Shorter recovery times
Hip replacement surgery removes the existing ball and socket in your hip joint and replaces them with parts made of ceramic, metal and hard plastic. During an anterior hip replacement, your surgeon:
- Makes an incision in the front of your hip
- Removes the damaged bone and tissue in your hip joint
- Implants the artificial socket into your pelvic bone
- Attaches the artificial ball into the new socket
You may stay overnight in the hospital, or you may be able to go home the same day. You’ll usually continue physical therapy after surgery to restore strength and range of motion in the new joint.
Awards & Certifications
Healthgrades
Healthgrades, a prominent online resource for consumers seeking information about doctors and hospitals, has named University of Vermont Medical Center among the top 10 percent in the U.S. for outpatient orthopedic surgery and recognized the academic medical center with its prestigious Outpatient Joint Replacement Excellence Award.
Locations near you
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187 Park Street
Suite 2
Malone, NY 12953-1233
6 San Remo Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403-6378
192 Tilley Drive
South Burlington, VT 05403-4440
1311 Barre Montpelier Road
Suite 400
Berlin, VT 05602
1436 Exchange Street
Middlebury, VT 05753-1185
76 McNeil Road
Suite 2
Waterbury Center, VT 05677-7162
206 Cornelia Street
Suite 201
Plattsburgh, NY 12901-2779
