Dr. Marchwiany specializes in hip replacements, and this page contains information about the most common hip replacement procedures he performs. For general information about Murphy Wainer Orthopedic Specialists, including appointments, insurance and directions, please visit the Murphy Wainer Web Site at www.murphywainer.com.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the joints of mostly older adults. It may cause the breakdown of bone and joint cartilage in the hips. Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation and excess fluid in the hip, and can lead to pain and stiffness. Traumatic arthritis due to injury may cause damage to the cartilage of the hip. If chronic hip pain interferes with daily activities and nonsurgical treatments haven't helped or are no longer effective, it may be time to consider a hip replacement. Hip replacement surgery can provide long-term relief from debilitating pain and help restore function in your daily life.

There are several kinds of replacement hip joints as well as different surgical methods. Dr. Marchwiany will help you to choose the best option for you, taking into account the condition of your hip and your general health. Total Hip Replacement The hip joint is made up of a ball at the top of the femur, or thigh bone, and a socket in the pelvis, or hip bone. Hip replacement, also called hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where Dr. Marchwiany replaces parts of the hip joint with artificial implants. In a total hip replacement, both the ball and socket of the hip joint are replaced with prosthetic parts. The goal of the procedure is to relieve chronic hip pain and allow you to resume daily activities. The surgical approach Dr. Marchwiany will recommend depends on several factors, including your age and activity level, and the health of the hip bones. After a full assessment of your condition, Dr. Marchwiany will determine if you are a good candidate for total hip replacement, and discuss the various options for approaches to the surgery and what type of implant will be used. Partial Hip Replacement For certain types of hip fractures a patient may need a partial hip replacement. During this procedure, Dr. Marchwiany replaces the ball of the hip joint (but not the socket) with an artificial implant made of ceramic, metal, or plastic. Partial hip replacement surgery is done through one incision. Dr. Marchwiany will then remove the damaged bone and cartilage from the hip joint and replace the ball at the upper end of your thigh bone. Dr. Marchwiany will do a full assessment of your condition to determine if a partial hip replacement is recommended for you. Complex Hip Replacement A hip replacement is classified as a "complex" hip replacement if the patient has particular issues that may cause problems in the standard procedure and need to be planned for in advance to ensure a successful outcome for the patient. These issues can include congenital deformities of the pelvis or femur, previous pelvis or femur surgery, previous fractures, or bone tissue death from a lack of blood supply (avascular necrosis). In some cases these types of issues may keep a patient from being a good candidate for hip replacement surgery. But some issues can be worked around with careful planning and expertise. Dr. Marchwiany works closely with patients to assess their condition and recommend the optimal treatment to alleviate their hip pain. Revision Hip Replacement Artificial hip implants are extremely effective in improving damaged hip joints and relieving hip pain. Artificial joints, however, do not last forever. After a period of normal wear and tear, the hip joint prosthesis may not fit as securely and may not be as effective. In these cases, Dr. Marchwiany may recommend revision hip surgery. Revision hip replacement is used to repair an artificial hip joint that has been damaged over time due to an infection, or normal wear and tear. It may also be appropriate if an infection has impacted the hip bone or other tissues around the joint. Revision surgery helps the hip to function normally again. If you previously had a hip replacement and are now experiencing pain or reduced function, Dr. Marchwiany will assess your condition and to see if hip revision surgery is appropriate.