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. Dr. Heckmann first tries nonsurgical treatments for hip pain, but when these interventions 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 bones and connective tissue in your hip and replaces it with medical-grade plastic and metal prosthetic parts.

Dr. Heckmann uses computer navigation and minimally invasive hip replacement techniques when appropriate. Technology like Intellijoint Surgical® navigation 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. While in the hospital, you will begin a personalized physical therapy program to help you 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.

What we offer