Total Hip Replacement Specialist

Nathanael D. Heckmann, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon located in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, CA & La Canada, Glendale, CA

Every year, approximately 300,000 total hip replacement surgeries are performed in the United States. If you need a hip replacement, contact Nathanael Heckmann, MD, at his offices in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, and in Glendale, California, near La Cañada. Dr. Heckmann is a gifted orthopedic surgeon who uses state-of-the-art computer navigation and surgical techniques to perform total hip replacement surgery. Call Dr. Heckmann or schedule a consultation online today to learn about your total hip replacement surgery options.

Total Hip Knee Replacement Q&A

What are the signs I need total hip replacement surgery?

One of the first signs that you need total hip replacement surgery is severe hip pain. Your pain might keep you up at night or prevent you from walking or participating in previously enjoyed activities. When activity modification and oral anti-inflammatory medication fail to relieve your pain, a total hip replacement might be your best option.

Osteoarthritis is one of the most common reasons for a total hip replacement. As your cartilage wears away, your bones rub together, creating friction that irritates your joint. It can lead to bone spur growth as well as damage to both the head of your femur and the socket of your pelvic bone.

Other conditions that often lead to total hip replacement surgery include different types of arthritis, avascular necrosis, a previous injury, and childhood hip diseases.

What happens during total hip replacement surgery?

During total hip replacement surgery, Dr. Heckmann removes the damaged, arthritic portions of your hip joint and replaces them with state-of-the-art hip components including a medical-grade ceramic head and highly-crosslinked vitamin-E plastic. About 90% of these hip replacements last 30 years or longer.

Dr. Heckmann uses computer navigation and minimally invasive hip replacement techniques when appropriate. Technology allows him to provide the best possible outcome without compromising safety or accuracy.

What should I expect after total hip replacement surgery?

Recovering from total hip replacement surgery can take several weeks, even with Dr. Heckmann’s accelerated postoperative recovery protocols. In most cases, you can get out of bed and start to walk around with assistance on the same day of your hip replacement surgery.

Dr. Heckmann prescribes medication to manage your pain and reduce your risk of infection. After surgery, you will begin a personalized journey to rebuild your strength, mobility, and endurance so that you can return to your regular activities quickly and safely.

If you have severe hip pain or are looking for an expert orthopedic surgeon to perform total hip replacement surgery, call Nathanael Heckmann, MD, or make an appointment with him online today.

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