The hip joint is composed of a ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum). The femoral head (upper end of the thigh bone) fits into the acetabulum. The articular cartilage covers the surface of the femoral head and acetabulum, creating a smooth and frictionless surface so that the bones glide over each other.

Excessive physical activity may cause soft tissues, such as tendons, to become inflamed or strained, resulting in short-term hip pain that may go away after a few days. However, chronic or long-term hip pain may be caused by certain conditions, such as arthritis, bursitis, injuries and structural conditions.

Hip replacement involves replacing the damaged joint with artificial implants to replicate the function of a typical joint. Hip replacement surgeons will remove the damaged ball or femoral head and cartilage from the hip socket. A ceramic or metal ball will replace the original ball. Then a metal cup will replace the socket and be fixed to the acetabulum. Hip replacement surgeries typically last up to two hours. Hip replacements can be:

• Total hip replacement – both the ball and socket of the hip joint are replaced. Majority of hip replacements are performed as total hip replacements.
• Partial hip replacement – only the femoral head is replaced and the hip socket remains intact. Partial hip replacements are typically done for traumatic injuries or hip fractures

Joint replacement has come a long way. In the past, people had to stay in the hospital for up to three months after getting a total joint replacement. But two decades ago, this time was reduced to just five days for hip, knee or shoulder replacements. Then, it dropped further to only 2 to 3 days within ten years. Now, many patients can either stay just one night or even go home the same day after their surgery. This shows how much better joint replacement has become.

Your joint replacement may be done as inpatient or outpatient depending on your doctor’s recommendations and other factors. Let's walk through some easy steps to get you ready for hip replacement.

First things first, have a good chat with your doctor and the medical team. They can explain everything about the surgery, what happens during it and what to expect after. The more you know, the less scary your procedure may feel. Here are some questions you can ask to get you started:

• Is joint replacement the most appropriate treatment for me right now?
• What activities will I not be able to perform after surgery?
• Do I need to lose weight before surgery?
• What type of implant or prosthesis will be used? What are their pros and cons?
• How long will I stay in the hospital?
• How long will my recovery take? • How will my pain be managed after surgery?

Think about what you'll need at home after you get back from the hospital. You'll want things to be easy and comfortable. Consider asking a friend or family member to stay with you temporarily and assist with tasks such as cooking or shopping.

Set up a cozy spot where you can relax and have everything you need within arm's reach, like your phone, some snacks and the remote. Think about getting some handy tools, like a grabber, so you don't have to bend down or stretch too far to get things. It's also smart to make some changes around your house to keep you safe, like removing area rugs, putting in some grab bars in the bathroom or making sure your hallways are well-lit so you don't trip.

Having a good support team is a game changer. Keep in touch with your doctor and maybe have a friend or family member who can be there for you through this. They can help you get ready for the surgery and be there when you come home. Remember, the better you prepare now, the smoother everything will go and the quicker you'll be back on your feet, doing what you love!