Hip Replacement Surgery in Seattle and Kirkland

A hip replacement is performed on patients who have severely injured their hip or suffer from a degenerative form of arthritis. For many patients, walking, getting out of bed, or even resting can be made painful due to cartilage and tissue damage in their hips. Due to the invasive nature of this procedure, the use of medication, physical therapy, and walking support devices are usually recommended first. If these treatments don’t provide relief, surgery will then be suggested.

The goal of this type of procedure is to relieve the patient’s pain symptoms and improve their range of motion. 

Dr. Nathaniel Wingert is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon expertly trained in performing hip replacement procedures. If you are in need of a hip replacement call our orthopedic surgery office in Kirkland at (425) 823-4000 or our office in Seattle at (206) 326-3000.

Total Hip Replacement

A total hip replacement is recommended for patients who have severe cartilage damage on their femur (leg bone) and acetabulum (socket). During a total hip replacement, the damaged bone and cartilage is removed and replaced by prosthetics in four steps:

• The femoral head is removed and replaced: The ball part of the femur system is replaced with a metal stem.
• A round metal ball is attached to the metal stem: A new ball is placed on the upper part of the newly inserted metal stem.
• Cartilage is removed and replaced: The old, damaged cartilage is removed from the surface of the pelvic socket and replaced with a metal socket. 
• A spacer is inserted between the ball and socket: The spacer, which is made of plastic, ceramic or metal, is inserted between the ball and socket to allow the new parts to glide with little friction.

Partial Hip Replacement

Partial hip replacements are most commonly performed on patients who have experienced a hip fracture. With this form of surgery, the surgeon removes the ball at the top of the femur and replaces it with a metal or ceramic ball that is attached to a metal stem. This surgery does not replace the socket of the hip.

How do you find out if you need a hip replacement

It’s important to note that the decision for hip replacement surgery is made on an individual basis, taking into consideration factors such as the severity of symptoms, impact on daily life, and the patient’s overall health. A thorough evaluation by an orthopedic specialist is necessary to determine if a hip replacement is the appropriate course of action.

Some reasons you need a hip replacement include:

• Chronic Hip Pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Reduced Mobility
• Fracture

Ultimately, the decision for hip replacement is made based on a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, medical history, physical examination, imaging tests (e.g., X-rays, MRI), and discussion with an orthopedic specialist. They will be able to assess the extent of joint damage, evaluate your functional limitations, and recommend the most appropriate treatment options, including hip replacement, if necessary.