Questions in advance of Hip replacement

Hello,

New to the forum, I’m tentatively scheduled for a hip replacement in October of this year. My surgeon is very experienced in hip replacements, says he has dealt with runners before, but I am looking to get some insight on which options of hip replacement historically are best for runners. Here’s where I’m at now, I’m hoping to come back to at least this level.

– 67 year old male, putting in about 10 miles a week practice running, with races mostly at the 5 and 10k distance, but some longer distance races up to 1 or 2 half marathons a year.

– Right hip is severely arthritic, left is moderate. The right is increasing in stiffness and pain and is scheduled to be replaced in October using an anterior approach.

– I have questions on which options are best for a runner. For instance, while my surgeon uses Ceramic, is Ceramic on Ceramic better? Ceramic on Polyethylene? Cemented or non-cemented?

– My surgeon does not generally prescribe PT, but I’m thinking this should be part of the recovery, especially for someone who plans on doing more than just walking on the replacement. Any feedback on post operative exercise routine?

I’d like to go back to the surgeon with some informed background, see whether he’s really the right choice for my hip replacement. All indications are that he’s a good surgeon, but I’d like to be sure that the procedure and follow up fit my particular needs. Thanks in advance.

This topic has 4 replies, 4 voices, and was last updated 1 day, 22 hours ago by willhoft.

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- August 6, 2026 at 5:50 am #21314
  willhoft
  Participant
  Hello, New to the forum, I’m tentatively scheduled for a hip replacement in October of this year. My surgeon is very experienced in hip replacements,
  [See the full post at: Questions in advance of Hip replacement]
- August 8, 2026 at 1:42 pm #21321
  WedgeC
  Participant
  Hello Will and I have had both replaced; 5.5 years apart from one another.
  Both are Ceramic on Polyethylene and Cemented.
  I have returned to running at good levels for me: 1500m in 5:24; 5k at 19:50 10k at 42 min. And 30 trail miles in 5:50
  YOU ABSOLUTELY NEED TO DO PT AND DON’T RELY ON THE AMERICAN MEDICAL SYSTEM! You will need to seek out PT’s with athletic experience and will push you and understand your goals.but I’d ask about running or TRI clubs or CrossFit gyms for PT’s that work with athletes. Best wishes and have no fear!
- August 10, 2026 at 12:02 pm #21328
  GaryB
  Participant
  Man, I agree with WedgeC. I had a general PT. She just gave me a boilerplate rehab plan, and I cancelled after 2 sessions. I put together my own plan, which is helping, but I really should go to a sports PT. Sadly, they are few and far between here in rural NC. All the best, Gary
- August 10, 2026 at 12:14 pm #21329
  OB
  Participant
  I had my first hip replaced in 2020 and second one replaced 2 and 1/2 years later. Both are ceramic balls with a poly liner in the cup. Stryker is the manufacturer and they were implanted using the posterior approach where my dr said he can get a more accurate placement.
  He did not prescribe PT. I did find good PT instruction on YouTube (Brad and Bob) to get me started. I basically got back to running six months post op on both. I am now doing 30 mile per week running, 120 miles biking and between 3 and 5 swimming.
  I have no hip pain and X-rays show no wearing. I have read that the crosslinked poly will last up to seventy five years. Good enough for me since I am now 70.
- August 15, 2026 at 5:19 am #21330
  willhoft
  Participant
  Thanks for the feedback, good to hear. I’ve reached out to the surgeon (Dr. Hozak in Rothmans, Philadelphia area) and will work with them to get a PT referral after the surgery. i’ve started interviewing PTs in preparation. The implant I’m getting is a Stryker with ceramic on poly, they will likely go without cement though. Things are coming together, again, thanks for the feedback.
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