Frequently Asked Questions

Below you'll find detailed answers to your most commonly asked questions about our orthopaedic services.

Hip Surgery

• What options do I have for my hip pain?
• When should I see a specialist for my hip pain?
• Who is a candidate for hip replacement?
• Is there an age limit to hip replacement surgery?
• What are the risks of hip surgery and recovery?
• What should I expect from hip replacement surgery?
• What should I know about hip surgery?

Loyola Joint Reconstruction Program at Gottlieb

• Why will my surgery be at Loyola’s Gottlieb campus?
• Will a Loyola surgeon do my surgery?
• Where exactly is Loyola’s Gottlieb campus?
• What will happen before my joint replacement surgery?
• Does Gottlieb have the same advanced technology for my joint replacement surgery that Loyola has?
• What will happen after my joint replacement surgery?

You may want to try pain medications, gentle exercises, stretching or rest to manage the pain. Check with your doctor if your pain is not improving or if it is interfering with your daily life. Below are some methods for managing pain that include non-surgical and surgical treatments.

Non-surgical treatment:

• Topical pain medications such as heat or cold therapy creams
• Over-the-counter pain relievers (acetaminophen)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory over-the-counter medications (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, glucosamine)
• Joint injections
• Physical therapy
• Cane crutch, walker or braces
• Low-impact exercise program such as water aerobics

Surgical treatment:

• Joint preservation techniques such as hip reconstruction
• Hip replacement surgery that ranges from partial to total hip replacement.
• Less invasive hip replacement
• Hip resurfacing

When should I see a specialist for my hip pain?
You should see a specialist if you:

• Have had a fall or accident and wonder if your hip is injured
• Feel pain in your hip joint after a change in the weather
• Experience pain, swelling or stiffness in your groin after activity
• Have pain in your groin, hips or buttocks
• Experience little relief from pain medications
• Experience hip pain that keeps you awake at night

• Feel your leg won't support you and cannot bear weight
• Have trouble standing from a seated position or trouble walking up or down stairs
• Have difficulty walking due to pain
• Have severe pain in the groin or hip area that prevents you from using the joint
• Have difficulty putting on shoes and socks

Who is a candidate for hip replacement?
Your surgeon will determine if you meet the requirements for this procedure.

Is there an age limit to hip replacement surgery?
There is no age limit as long as the patient is in good health. Your doctor can help you determine if this surgery is right for you.

What are the risks of hip surgery and recovery?
Hip surgeries are generally safe, but as with all surgical procedures, there is some risk associated with them. Your doctor will discuss risks associated with the type of surgery you need.

What should I expect from hip replacement surgery?
You should expect a reduction in pain and an increased range of motion in your new joint. Movements such as climbing stairs, getting in and out of a car and walking without pain should be easier. Overall, you should expect an improvement in the quality of your life.

What should I know about hip surgery?
Learn what to expect before, during and after treatment. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to make important decisions and face the challenges associated with hip procedures. Here are some questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• What is minimally invasive hip replacement? Am I a candidate for this type of procedure?
• How many hip replacements have you performed?
• What type of pain management do you use?
• If non-hip related complications arise during surgery, is your facility prepared to handle them?
• What type of rehabilitation therapies do you offer?

Why will my surgery be at Loyola’s Gottlieb campus?
Gottlieb is part of the Loyola University Health System, and Loyola is able to offer more services in a more timely fashion due to the expanded capacity offered at the Gottlieb campus. One of the great benefits for our orthopaedic joint patients is that they can have their surgery done by Loyola surgeons at a campus that is just three miles northwest, where you'll enjoy a newly remodeled private room that was designed for the comfort of you and your loved ones.

Will a Loyola surgeon do my joint replacement surgery?
Absolutely. Your Loyola surgeon will perform your joint replacement surgery, assisted by a team of orthopaedic nurses and therapists staffing our Gottlieb campus’ newly re-designed, 21-bed musculoskeletal unit. It’s a great benefit to you because you’ll have a private room as well as the high level of care you expect from Loyola.

Where exactly is Loyola’s Gottlieb campus?
If you can find Kiddieland or the Maywood Park Race Track at First and North avenues, you can find Loyola’s Gottlieb campus. It’s on North Avenue, just three miles northwest of the Maywood campus.

What will happen before my joint replacement surgery?
You will have an initial diagnostic work-up at the Loyola Outpatient Center. Once you and your surgeon agree that surgery is the right option, you will participate in a joint-replacement surgery education day at Gottlieb (hip and knee replacements only). This class will be scheduled one week before your surgery. You'll receive all the practical information that you'll need for your surgery. This includes pre-admission testing, information about exercising after surgery and tips for your family and loved ones.

Does Gottlieb have the same advanced technology for my joint replacement surgery that Loyola has?
Yes, state-of-the art intra-operative imaging, talented health-care professionals who are skilled in orthopaedic care and a proven care plan to get you back in motion are just a few examples of the care you can expect.

What will happen after my joint replacement surgery?
The orthopaedic nurses and therapists on the unit are specially skilled to ensure that you receive care that is specifically suited to your needs in the immediate post-operative period. Later, home care may be available to provide you with assistance for your continued recovery as necessary.