Chris Boone, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon located in Bellevue, WA & Redmond, WA
When advanced osteoarthritis causes relentless hip pain and stiffness that prevents you from enjoying even a short walk, it may be time to consider a hip replacement. Dr. Christopher R. Boone specializes in treating hip osteoarthritis with minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. Dr. Boone produces optimal outcomes using robotic technology that ensures exceptionally precise surgery. To learn whether you’re a good candidate for hip replacement, schedule an appointment online or call the office in Bellevue, Washington.
Hip Replacement Recovery and What to Expect
Hip replacement recovery starts with walking, pain control, and a plan to return to daily activities safely. Many patients are up and walking soon after surgery, but the exact timeline depends on your health, your procedure, and how your body heals. Dr. Christopher R. Boone, MD, evaluates your hip damage, symptoms, imaging, and treatment history to determine whether hip replacement is the right next step and what type of recovery plan makes sense for you. He specialises in minimally invasive anterior hip replacement and robotic-assisted surgery through Proliance Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in the Bellevue and greater Seattle area.
What to expect after hip replacement
- Walking usually starts early with support from your care team
- Driving depends on your side of surgery, pain control, mobility, and when it is safe to stop assistive medication
- Return to work depends on the type of job you do
- Full recovery happens in stages, not all at once
- Your consultation should cover imaging, diagnosis, non-surgical treatments tried, surgical options, risks, and expected recovery
Hip Replacement Comparisons
Hip Replacement vs Hip Resurfacing
Hip replacement and hip resurfacing treat hip joint pain in different ways. Total hip replacement removes the damaged joint surfaces and replaces them with prosthetic components. Hip resurfacing preserves more of the femoral bone and may be considered for select patients depending on age, bone quality, anatomy, and activity goals.
Anterior vs. Posterior Hip Replacement
The anterior approach uses an incision at the front of the hip and is designed to work through muscle-sparing planes. Posterior hip replacement uses a different access point. The best approach depends on your anatomy, condition, surgical goals, and the surgeon’s experience. During your consultation, Dr. Boone will explain which approach is most appropriate for your case.
Robotic vs Traditional Hip Replacement
Traditional hip replacement relies on standard surgical planning and instrumentation. Robotic-assisted hip replacement adds imaging, planning, and real-time feedback to help position the implant with greater precision. Dr. Boone uses robotic technology when it supports better planning and fit for the patient.
When Hip Injections Stop Working
If hip injections only help for a short time, or no longer help at all, it may be a sign that the joint damage has progressed. When pain, stiffness, and walking limitations continue despite non-surgical care, hip replacement may offer more reliable long-term relief.
Hip Replacement Q & A
How is a total hip replacement performed?
Dr. Christopher R. Boone, MD, mainly performs hip replacement using a minimally invasive anterior approach. This approach places the incision at the front of the hip and is designed to work through muscle-sparing planes rather than cutting through major muscles. During surgery, the damaged parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with prosthetic components designed to restore movement and reduce pain.
What health conditions are treated with a hip replacement?
Hip replacement is most often used to treat advanced osteoarthritis when pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility no longer respond well to non-surgical care. It may also be recommended after a severe hip fracture or in cases of avascular necrosis, where reduced blood supply damages the bone tissue in the hip joint.
What is a robot-assisted hip replacement?
Robotic-assisted hip replacement uses advanced technology to help plan the procedure and support accurate implant placement. Dr. Boone uses robotic-assisted systems, including Mako®, NAVIO™, and OrthoAlign®, to help match the procedure to your anatomy and improve precision during surgery. Robotic assistance supports the surgeon’s skill with planning and real-time feedback, but Dr. Boone still operates.
How long does it take to recover from hip replacement?
Hip replacement recovery happens in stages. Many patients begin moving and walking early after surgery, but full recovery takes time and depends on your health, strength, healing progress, and the type of activity you want to return to. Dr. Boone will explain what recovery may look like based on your individual case.
How soon can I walk after hip replacement?
Many patients begin walking shortly after hip replacement with guidance from their surgical team. Early movement is an important part of recovery, but your walking timeline will depend on your condition, your procedure, and your surgeon’s recommendations.
When can I drive after hip replacement?
Driving after hip replacement depends on several factors, including which hip was treated, your mobility, pain control, and whether you are still taking medication that affects reaction time. Dr. Boone will let you know when it is safe to return to driving.
When can I return to work after hip replacement?
Return to work depends on the type of job you do and how your recovery progresses. Patients with desk-based roles may return sooner than those with physically demanding work that involves lifting, climbing, or long periods on their feet.
What are the risks of hip replacement surgery?
As with any surgery, hip replacement carries risks. These may include infection, blood clots, implant-related issues, stiffness, dislocation, nerve irritation, and ongoing pain. Your consultation should include a discussion of the potential risks, expected benefits, and available alternatives.
Is anterior hip replacement better than posterior hip replacement?
Not always. The best approach depends on your anatomy, your diagnosis, and the surgeon’s assessment. Dr. Boone mainly uses a minimally invasive anterior approach, and your consultation is the right time to discuss whether that approach is the best fit for your case.
Is robotic hip replacement better than traditional hip replacement?
Robotic-assisted hip replacement can support more detailed surgical planning and more precise implant positioning. Traditional hip replacement does not use the same type of computer-guided support. The right option depends on your anatomy, your condition, and the surgical plan recommended by Dr. Boone.
What happens at a hip replacement consultation?
Your hip replacement consultation should include a review of your symptoms, medical history, imaging, previous treatments, and daily activity limitations. Dr. Boone will assess your hip condition, explain whether surgery is appropriate, discuss treatment options, and outline what to expect before and after surgery.
Why Patients Choose Christopher R. Boone, MD for Hip Replacement
Christopher R. Boone, MD, is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon who focuses on robotic hip and knee replacement, minimally invasive anterior hip approaches, and complex reconstructive surgery. He practices with Proliance Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, part of Proliance Surgeons, and serves patients in Bellevue, Redmond, and the greater Seattle area. His background includes medical school at the University of Washington, orthopaedic residency at Beaumont Hospital in Michigan, and fellowship training at Stanford University in orthopaedic trauma and hip and pelvic reconstruction. He is also recognized as a Seattle Met Top Doctor.