Top Hip Replacement Surgeon in Westchester County

Woman looking at replacement hip x-ray image

What is hip replacement surgery?

Total hip replacement surgery, sometimes referred to as total hip arthroplasty, refers to a procedure that involves removing damaged bone and cartilage in your hip and replacing it with artificial parts. The parts consist of a metal socket that is attached to the pelvic bone, a plastic liner, a ceramic or metal ball and a stem that fits into the thigh bone or femur.

People often wonder when and why they should have their hip replaced. This is an individualized question that depends upon a person’s activity level and functional needs. Many people with hip arthritis live with pain that prevents them from participating in activities that they love, or pain that interferes with their sleep; others are so debilitated that they have difficulty putting on their shoes and socks. Total hip replacement offers a solution to the problem of arthritis and is performed with the goal of pain relief and resumption of activity. The decision to have surgery should be when you cannot perform the activities that you enjoy on a daily basis. While hip surgery is a serious procedure, waiting for a long period of time can be detrimental to your outcome. The muscles and tissues around the hip become weakened and stiff over time and it may take longer to recuperate and regain your motion if hip surgery is postponed too long.

When is Hip Replacement Surgery Necessary?

We may recommend hip replacement surgery to you if you’re suffering from any of the following hip conditions and conservative treatment options have failed to provide relief:

What does hip replacement involve?

Once a decision is made along with your doctor and your family, a series of steps will be taken to prepare you for the best possible outcome and to minimize risk of surgery.

You will be asked to see your medical doctor to obtain a comprehensive medical evaluation which may include a cardiac clearance. This will need to be done within 30 days of your surgical date. You will also need to have a series of tests including blood tests, an ultrasound to rule out a previous blood clot, a chest X-ray, along with other tests required to make sure that surgery is safe. Additionally, it may be appropriate to see your dentist prior to surgery to treat any gum or dental infections prior to surgery. Please confirm with your medical doctors and specialists that all pre-operative clearances are sent to your surgeon’s office at least two weeks prior to surgery.

What are Hip Replacement Materials Made Of?

The materials are usually composed of cobalt-chrome or titanium. The parts are fixed to the bone with bone ingrowth surfaces or with bone cement. The goal of the procedure is to restore your hip function and get you back to your regular activities as quickly and safely as possible. At Specialty Orthopaedics, our number one priority is to successfully help you get moving again using innovative and research-backed techniques.

Allergy information

You will be asked a series of questions regarding previous reactions or allergies to antibiotics such as penicillin, as well as latex, anesthesia, jewelry and metals such as nickel, blood clots, infections such as MRSA, along with other questions meant to optimize your surgery.

Will I require new medications ahead of hip replacement surgery?

You may be instructed by your surgeon and/or primary doctor to stop certain medications (such as strong blood thinners like Plavix or Coumadin) several days to a week before your surgery, depending on the medication. A new medication might be added for you to take until the time of surgery, depending on your medical history. In addition, you may be instructed to take some of your medications the morning of surgery even though you won’t be able to eat that morning. It is important for you to bring a list (or a bag of pill bottles) including all your medications to your medical clearance, including vitamins, over-the-counter medications, and supplements (a number of medications and supplements may interact with medications you might receive after surgery).

What medication should I avoid?

You will be asked to avoid certain medications such as blood thinners prior to surgery. A list will be given and reviewed with you.

Where can I get more information prior to surgery?

You will be given a booklet with information regarding your joint replacement. There will be a pre-operative consultation to review the procedure at length. Additionally, it is recommended that you and a friend or family member attend one of the pre-op classes offered to provide information regarding your upcoming surgery.

We recommend a pre-operative evaluation by a physical therapist (prehab). This will serve to help strengthen your leg and also to develop a relationship with your PT for after surgery.

How is a Hip Replacement Procedure Performed?

Day Before Surgery

Contact the hospital regarding your surgical time. Depending on your scheduled surgery, you will be asked to avoid any food or liquid after midnight the night before surgery. You may take certain medications with a sip of water.

It is recommended that you shower with antibacterial soap and wipe the surgical site with the chlorhexidine wipe provided to you by the office.

Day of Surgery

Please arrive on time to allow for the hospital staff to welcome you and check you in.

Wear comfortable clothes, leave jewelry and valuables at home. Bring only essentials such as a phone, book or iPad.

Once you are checked in, you will be asked questions regarding your health and medications by the nursing and anesthesia staff. Please bring a list of all your medications to the hospital. If you don’t have a list, then bring your “bag of pills” so we can confirm your medications.

You will see your surgeon who will confirm your identity and initial your surgical site. We know the site and procedure, but it is always helpful to check!

You will meet your anesthesiologist and pain management specialist who will review the options to keep you comfortable and safe, both during and after the surgery. Most procedures are performed with a block or regional anesthetic, such as a spinal plus sedation to keep you comfortable. Often times, a block such as an adductor canal block is given for pain relief after surgery. Occasionally, general anesthesia is recommended as well.

You will be brought into a state-of-the-art surgical suite where a team of specialists will perform your joint replacement surgery using the most advanced minimally invasive techniques. Most wounds are closed using sutures under the skin and glue and mesh for the skin closure. An antibacterial dressing is placed that stays on for several weeks allowing you to shower right away.

After Surgery

After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery area where the nursing staff will care for your safety and comfort. Once it is safe, you will be transferred to the orthopedic unit to begin your transition from patient back to person!

Most patients get up and walk the same day of surgery with the aid of a nurse or physical therapist.

In most cases, you will be able to go home after one to three days. By the time of discharge, you should be able to safely walk several hundred feet and go up and down stairs independently. If you have special needs, recommendation for a short-term rehabilitation facility can be arranged.

You should make an appointment to see your surgeon 2-3 weeks after surgery to remove your dressing, review your progress and joint precautions, and recommend physical therapy as needed. You will be given a joint replacement card as your new joint may set off metal detectors. You will also be given a sheet emphasizing the need for antibiotic coverage prior to dental work and other procedures.

VIDEO GALLERY: Hip Replacement Animations


Please explore our hip replacement videos below. Use the left and right arrows to scroll between the various videos in this library.

What are the Advantages of Hip Replacement Surgery?

Our hip replacement doctors at Specialty Orthopaedics have years of experience addressing complex hip conditions and have the knowledge and skill to help you successfully overcome your hip pain and immobility. Benefits of undergoing hip replacement surgery include:

Male Doctor Examining Male senior Patient With Hip Pain

  • Hip pain relief
  • Restored hip function and range of motion
  • Ability to return to the activities you love

Why Choose Specialty Orthopaedics for Your Hip Replacement Surgery?

In addition, the benefits of choosing to undergo hip replacement surgery with one of our qualified surgeons at Specialty Orthopaedics include the following:

  • Proven outcomes and metrics – Dr. Zelicof has been recognized by New York Magazine, Westchester Magazine and Castle Connolly Top Doctors in America for over 25 years
  • Our Joint Solutions program was the first in Westchester to be recognized and reaccredited three times by the Joint Commission with Gold Seals in Hip and Knee Replacement
  • Access to experienced and caring fellowship-trained, university-affiliated surgeons
  • A commitment to evidence-based orthopedic techniques advanced minimally invasive approaches and pain management techniques
  • Surgery performed at some of the best orthopedic hospitals in the country
  • When considering joint replacement surgery, trust your hip or knee to someone who treats other physicians and healthcare professionals

Your joint is special… Come to Specialty Orthopaedics for your care!

Schedule a Consultation Today!

If you are interested in hip replacement surgery, visit Specialty Orthopaedics. Our New York orthopedic practice is home to a team of fellowship-trained orthopedists in a variety of specialty areas. We offer comprehensive treatment for musculoskeletal disorders in a caring and responsive clinical atmosphere. Give us a call at 914.686.0111 or fill out the form on this page to schedule your appointment today.

headshot of older male doctor smiling widely in white coat

Dr. Steven Zelicof

Joint Replacement & Arthritis Specialist

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