Hip Replacement Surgery
In Vail Valley and Summit County, Colorado
Hip Replacements
Whether the result of a prior injury or a degenerative disease, a total hip replacement can help you get back to doing the activities you love.
Anterior Total Hip Replacement
Offering Cutting Edge Hip Replacement Surgery in the Mountains of Colorado.
Total recovery time for an anterior approach is usually faster at about half of the time it takes with a traditional approach
Outpatient Rapid Recovery Total Hip Replacement
Innovative Hip Replacement Surgeries in Frisco, Vail, and Edwards, Colorado.
Dr. Cafferky is proud to offer outpatient total hip replacements in three conveniently located clinics in Eagle and Summit County, Colorado. After hip surgery, patients are typically discharged three to four hours post-op, allowing them to recover in the comfort of home.
Partnering with the best in total hip replacement technology:
What is a hip replacement?
The hip joint is a ball-and-socket structure composed of the hip bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Together, these components allow you to move and rotate. A lifetime of active living can wear down the joint over time. Arthritis, orthopaedic trauma, and fractures can also cause hip joint damage, resulting in pain and an impacted range of motion.
When your hip pain is severe enough to limit your daily activities, it may be time to consider surgical intervention. A hip replacement is a commonly performed joint replacement wherein the damaged bone and cartilage of the hip joint is replaced with a prosthetic implant. Hip replacement surgery can either be a partial or total replacement depending on the amount of the joint that needs replacing.
Understanding What Happens with Hip Replacement Surgery
During a hip replacement, an incision is made along the hip joint. Dr. Cafferky and his team will then remove the damaged sections of the hip joint and replace them with an implant. The hip joint prosthetic will be implanted into the pelvic bone and attached to the top of the femur and into the thighbone. The procedure itself is short, taking only a few hours. Patients will be moved into a recovery area where they are monitored by medical staff as the anesthesia wears off. Since a hip replacement is an outpatient procedure, patients are able to return home the day of their surgery, barring any medical complication.
Knowing the Risks of Hip Replacement Surgery
A hip replacement is considered major surgery and involves potential risks. Dr. Cafferky and his surgical team take all necessary precautions to prevent and manage the following possible risks. Common complications that can arise from hip surgery include:
1. Reaction to Anesthesia: Side effects related to anesthesia include nausea, vomiting, and headaches (all of which can usually be relieved with medication).
2. Infection: Infection is a risk with any surgical procedure. For the next years after your surgery, speak with your doctor (including your dentist) to see if you need preventive antibiotics before undergoing any procedure that could allow bacteria into your bloodstream.
3. Blood Clots: The risk of blood clots is related to alterations in blood flow that occur during hip surgery. Blood-thinning drugs are typically prescribed to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of clot formation. During your initial exam, Dr. Cafferky will assess your risk factors (ie: weight and cardiovascular history) to help select the best blood thinner for you. In the hospital, Dr. Cafferky may use elastic or compression stockings to further reduce the risk of blood clots. After surgery, physical therapy and exercises will be prescribed to prevent blood clots from forming.
4. Damage to Nearby Blood Vessels, Bones, or Nerves: To help minimize the damage that may occur to blood vessels, bones, and nerves in and around the incision, Dr. Cafferky uses precision tools, guides, and highly refined surgical techniques. Nerve damage, although rare, can cause irritation and pain following your surgery.
5. Persistent Pain: There is no guarantee that hip replacement will make your joint completely pain-free.
6. Implant Loosening, Wear, or Breakage: Hip implants can wear down, loosen, and (rarely) break. Such occurrences are typically accompanied by pain and/or loss of function and may require additional surgery.
7. Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a risk with major surgery, especially in older patients. Postoperative pneumonia occurs due to immobility and reduced use of total lung capacity following surgery. A respiratory therapist will show you how to cough, walk you through breathing exercises, and provide devices to help keep your lungs clear.
All patients are given a consent document to sign before surgery. This document explains the known (both major and minor) risks in greater. Patients are encouraged to discuss any questions or concerns with Dr. Cafferky before signing.
Recovering from Hip Replacement Surgery
Getting back to your normal lifestyle after hip replacement surgery can take several weeks to a few months. Every patient is different and recovery time depends on a person's health before their operation. However, most patients can sit up and walk with aid immediately after surgery. In the first few days after your hip replacement, Dr. Cafferky's team will prescribe exercises for regaining your strength and range of motion. Patients typically return to their normal day-to-day activities after three to six weeks. Low-impact activities (biking, walking, etc.) are usually possible three months post-op. It's essential to schedule follow-up appointments with Team Cafferky throughout your hip replacement recovery to ensure you're progressing without complications.
