Anthony Lombardo, MD
Dr. Anthony Lombardo, a leading orthopedic surgeon in Melbourne, Florida, brings over 25 years of...
Traditional hip replacement has long been effective, but advances in surgical technique have made the minimally invasive version an excellent option. Both use the same durable implant — the difference is how the joint is reached, and how that shapes recovery.
For the right candidate, the minimally invasive approach means less pain, a shorter stay, and a faster return to the life you’ve been missing.
Hip arthritis tends to build slowly, so it’s easy to adapt to the pain without realizing how much it has taken. These are the signs it may be time to talk to a specialist:
Our surgeons have experience in a wide variety of approaches including the muscle-sparing anterior approach, working between the muscles at the front of the hip rather than cutting through them. For the right candidate, that means a very different experience of surgery and recovery.
Less pain after surgery
Sparing the major muscles means less trauma to the body and a gentler recovery for most patients.
A faster return to life
Many patients walk the same day and get back to the things they love in weeks, not months.
Fewer movement restrictions
The anterior approach often avoids many of the traditional “hip precautions,” so you move more naturally, sooner.
A small, discreet incision
A smaller incision at the front of the hip typically heals to a thin, low-profile scar.
Same-day & short-stay options
Many healthy candidates go home the same day rather than facing a long hospital stay.
Implants built to last
Modern materials mean most hip replacements are still going strong 15 to 20 years later.
Hip replacement may be right for you when these ring true — and when less invasive care can no longer keep you comfortable. The surest way to know is a conversation with an orthopedic specialist.
Deep hip or groin pain
Aching that lingers with walking, stairs, or at rest — and often disturbs your sleep.
Conservative care isn’t enough
Physical therapy, medication, and injections no longer control your symptoms.
Imaging shows joint damage
X-rays reveal advanced arthritis or bone-on-bone wear in the hip joint.
Stiffness and a limp
Trouble putting on socks or shoes, reduced range of motion, or leaning on a cane to get around.
Your life has shrunk around it
You’ve given up activities, hobbies, or travel you love because of your hip.
You’re in good general health
Overall health supports surgery and healing — something we assess together during your evaluation.
Recognize yourself here? Schedule a consultation and we’ll review your imaging and every option with you.
Hip replacement is considered when hip or groin pain limits your daily life or sleep, X-rays show advanced joint damage, and conservative care such as physical therapy, medication, and injections is no longer keeping you comfortable. The clearest way to know is an evaluation with an orthopedic specialist, who will review your imaging and options with you. Total Spine and Orthopedics offers a consultation to determine whether you are a candidate.
In a total hip replacement, the worn surfaces of the joint — the ball at the top of the thighbone and the socket it sits in — are removed and replaced with a durable implant that recreates a smooth, natural-feeling joint. Our team performs the procedure using minimally invasive techniques, and your surgeon will explain what to expect based on your anatomy and health.
Minimally invasive total hip replacement uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments instead of one large incision, with less disruption of the surrounding muscle and soft tissue. For most patients that means significantly less postoperative pain, faster healing, and a shorter hospital stay than traditional surgery.
Sometimes. For select candidates, hip replacement may be performed on a same-day, outpatient basis, and a minimally invasive approach typically means a shorter hospital stay overall. Your surgeon will confirm what is appropriate for your health and your procedure.
A minimally invasive hip replacement generally means less pain and a faster recovery than traditional surgery. Guided movement and physical therapy begin soon after surgery, walking aids are set aside over the following weeks, and everyday activities return during that time. The hip continues to strengthen over the following months. Your surgeon and physical therapist will guide your individual timeline.
The most common reason is osteoarthritis, the gradual wearing away of the hip joint’s cartilage. Hip replacement also treats rheumatoid and post-traumatic arthritis, avascular necrosis (loss of blood supply to the bone), hip fractures, and hip dysplasia when these cause pain and damage that no longer respond to conservative care.
Yes. During the healing period your surgeon will give you clear, personalized guidance on what to do and what to avoid to protect the new joint. These guidelines are tailored to your procedure and your progress.
The procedure itself is performed under anesthesia, so you feel nothing during surgery. Recovery involves some discomfort that is managed with modern pain protocols, and many patients find that the arthritis pain they lived with beforehand eases as they heal.