Learn How a Total Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty) Can Help You Get Back to Activities You Love Without hip Pain
If hip pain limits your ability to walk, hike, golf, ski, or simply enjoy daily life, total hip replacement with fellowship-trained joint reconstruction specialist Dr. Richard Auran can help you return to an active lifestyle.
Based in Beaverton, Oregon, Dr. Auran provides personalized, minimally invasive hip replacement surgery using advanced surgical techniques designed to reduce pain, speed recovery, and restore natural movement.
Use this guide to help you understand what is involved in a total hip replacement and how it may help increase your quality of life.
What Is Total Hip Replacement?
Total hip replacement (hip arthroplasty) is a safe and effective surgical procedure that relieves pain, restores mobility, and improves quality of life for people with severe hip joint damage. During surgery, the worn or damaged hip joint is replaced with a prosthetic ball-and-socket implant designed to move smoothly and naturally.
Who Needs Hip Replacement Surgery?
You may be a candidate for hip replacement surgery if you have:
- Severe hip pain that limits daily activities
- Hip stiffness that reduces range of motion
- Pain that continues despite medication, physical therapy, or injections
- Hip arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis)
- Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis)
- Failure of hip fracture surgery
Benefits of Total Hip Replacement
Patients commonly experience:
- Significant pain relief
- Improved walking and mobility
- Better sleep and daily function
- Return to low-impact activities as well as return to recreational sports
- Long-lasting results (15–25+ years for many implants)
Understanding the Hip Implant
A modern hip prosthesis typically includes:
- A titanium shell (acetabular component) placed in the hip socket
- A plastic (highly crosslinked polyethylene) or metal liner securely fixed in the shell
- A ceramic, plastic, or metal ball (head)
- A titanium stem placed in the thigh bone
These components work together to create a smooth, low-friction joint.
The Hip Replacement Procedure: Step by Step
Here are the typical steps that Dr. Auran completes during a hip replacement procedure using advanced techniques designed to minimize disruption to your body and accelerate rehabilitation.
- Remove damaged cartilage and bone
- Prepare the hip socket
- Place the artificial socket
- Insert the femoral stem and ball
- Joint reduction and closure
Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Options
Direct Anterior Hip Replacement
- Muscle-sparing approach, incision on front of thigh
- May improve early (first 1-2 weeks) recovery compared to traditional posterior approach
- Lower dislocation risk
Direct Superior Hip Replacement
- Minimize cutting of the iliotibial band, incision on side of hip towards buttock
- May improve early (first 1-2 weeks) recovery compared to traditional posterior approach
- Lower wound healing complications
Mini-Posterior Hip Replacement
- Smaller incision than traditional posterior approach, with tissue sparing techniques to minimize disruption of soft tissue and tendon structures
- Lower wound healing complications
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Immediately After Surgery
- Standing and walking (often the same day)
- Same-day discharge home in the majority of cases
- Pain controlled with modern multi-modal techniques
First Few Weeks
- Physical therapy after 10-14 days of self-directed exercises
- Increasing independence
- Gradual transition from walker → cane → unassisted walking as symptoms allow
Long-Term Recovery
- Many patients resume normal activities in 6–12 weeks
- Full healing continues for several months up to one year after surgery
Risks and Safety
Total hip replacement is one of the most successful procedures in modern medicine, but like all surgeries it carries some risks, most commonly:
- Infection or wound healing issues
- Blood clots
- Implant wear over time
- Dislocation (rare with modern techniques)
Dr. Auran and his surgical team use advanced protocols to minimize these risks.
Preparing for Hip Replacement
To achieve the best outcome for your hip replacement, we will encourage you to:
- Optimize your overall health
- Strengthen muscles before surgery
- Prepare your home for safe recovery
- Arrange support for the first few days to weeks
Life After Hip Replacement
Dr. Auran does not place long-term restrictions. You may work back into any activities that are comfortable after allowing time for healing. Most patients return to:
- Walking for exercise
- Sporting activity as desired
- Travel and daily activities without pain
Your Hip Replacement Journey
Working with a high-volume hip replacement specialist and an experienced orthopedic team may lead to:
- Easier recovery
- Lower complication rates
- Better implant positioning
- More natural-feeling movement
Why Choose Dr. Richard Auran for Hip Replacement?
- Fellowship-trained in adult hip & knee reconstruction
- Expertise in primary and revision hip replacement
- Advanced experience with multiple implant systems, computer navigation, and robotic technology
- Offers Direct Anterior, Direct Superior, and Mini Posterior minimally invasive approaches
- Focus on rapid recovery and long-term mobility
Dr. Auran partners closely with each patient to create an individualized treatment plan that relieves pain and restores function so they can return to the activities they enjoy. Here is a typical treatment pathway for Dr. Auran’s patients:
- Personalized Consultation – We review imaging, prior treatments, and your goals.
- Pre-Surgery Optimization – You receive a clear preparation plan for home and recovery.
- Surgery – Advanced techniques focused on precision and safety.
- Rapid Recovery – Many patients walk the same day.
- Return to Activity – Many resume normal daily activities in 6–12 weeks.
If hip pain is limiting your life, total hip replacement may help you return to the activities you love.
Call today to schedule your consultation and learn about personalized treatment options.