A Total Hip Replacement is a very successful procedure that has helped thousands of patients relieve pain from arthritis of the hip and regain mobility and – most importantly – their quality of life.

Dr. Nicholas Alexander is the founder of Mahwah Valley Orthopedic Associates in Mahwah and Clifton, NJ and a Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon specializing in both the surgical and non-surgical treatment of hip and knee conditions.

Dr. Alexander completed his residency in Total Joint Replacement and Adult Reconstruction of the Hip and Knee t the prestigious John Hopkins School of Medicine and has performed thousands of Total Hip Replacements in his over 20 years practice. He also serves as the Chairman of the Valley Hospital Total Joint Center.

At Mahwah Valley Orthopedic Asssociates, Dr. Alexander believes in creating a unique approach for each patient based on his/her lifestyle and goals. He also believes that a Hip Replacement should only be considered when other more conservative options have not provided relief from chronic hip pain.

Hip Replacement procedures can have several different approaches and these are based on each patient and their specific condition. Dr. Alexander ensures that he discusses all possible surgical options with each patient and it is his goal to return patients to an active and healthy lifestyle in the quickest and safest way possible.

Although the surgical approach may differ for certain patients, Hip Replacement Procedures utilize 4 basic steps:

• Preparing the bone: The damaged femoral head is removed and replaced with a metal stem that is placed into the center of the femoral stem is cemented or pressed into the bone.
• The positioning of the implant: A metal or ceramic ball is placed on the upper part of the stem. This ball replaces the damaged femoral head that was removed.
• Resurfacing the joint: The damaged cartilage surface of the socket is removed and replaced with a metal socket.
• Inserting the spacer: A ceramic, or metal spacer is inserted between the new ball and the socket to allow for a smooth gliding surface for the hip.

  Once the components are in place and Dr. Alexander performs a series of tests to ensure the hip is moving properly, the small incision is closed using sutures and skin staples.