Acetabular component (socket):
A metal shell is placed into the pelvis, typically with a plastic or ceramic liner.
Leo Zalikha, MD performs total hip replacement surgery in Long Beach, CA at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and the Surgery Center of Long Beach. Fellowship-trained in adult reconstruction at Stanford, Dr. Zalikha focuses on precision, individualized planning, and a thoughtful approach to each patient’s anatomy and goals.
Total hip replacement is one part of the full range of hip replacement services Dr. Zalikha offers.
What Does the Surgery Involve?
During total hip replacement, the damaged surfaces of the hip joint are removed and replaced with prosthetic components:
Femoral component (stem and ball):
A metal stem is inserted into the femur (thigh bone), topped with a metal or ceramic ball that articulates with the new socket.
Restoring Joint Mechanics
These components recreate the ball-and-socket mechanics of a healthy hip, allowing smooth and pain-free motion.
The procedure typically takes one to two hours. Dr. Zalikha uses the direct anterior approach in appropriate candidates, which works between muscles rather than cutting through them. He also utilizes robotic-assisted technology in select cases to assist with implant planning and positioning. The choice of approach and technology is tailored to each patient’s anatomy and clinical situation.
Modern implant materials are designed for durability. Registry data show that about 89% of hip replacements are still functioning at 15 years, 70% at 20 years, and 58% at 25 years (Evans et al., The Lancet, 2019).
Who Is a Candidate for Total Hip Replacement?
Hip replacement may be appropriate when:
- Hip arthritis: has progressed to the point where pain consistently limits walking, sleeping, working, or daily activities
- Nonoperative treatments (physical therapy, medications, injections, weight management) have been given a fair trial without sufficient relief
- X-rays confirm significant joint damage
- The impact on your quality of life is clear and meaningful to you
There are no strict age or weight cutoffs. Recommendations are based on your symptoms, imaging, overall health, and goals. Dr. Zalikha evaluates every patient individually and discusses whether hip replacement is the right step at this point in time.
Surgical Approach and Technology
Dr. Zalikha offers:
01. Direct anterior approach:
A muscle-sparing technique that accesses the hip from the front, which may facilitate early recovery for many patients.
02. Robotic-assisted hip replacement
Uses advanced imaging and robotic technology as a planning and precision tool to assist with component placement.
03. Same-day (outpatient) hip replacement
Eligible patients may be able to go home the same day as surgery.
No single approach or technology is right for every patient. During your consultation, Dr. Zalikha will explain which options are best suited to your anatomy, health, and goals.
Preparing for Hip Replacement
Preparation plays an important role in your outcome and recovery experience. Key steps may include:
- Medical clearance from your primary care physician
- Optimization of chronic conditions (diabetes, blood pressure, etc.)
- Stopping certain medications as directed
- Weight optimization and prehab exercises to strengthen your body before surgery
- Setting up your home for a safe recovery (removing trip hazards, placing frequently used items at counter height, arranging help for the first week or two)
Dr. Zalikha’s team provides a detailed pre-operative checklist to guide you through each step.
Risks and Complications
Total hip replacement is a safe and well-established surgery, but like any procedure, it carries risks. These include:
- Infection
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism)
- Dislocation of the new hip
- Leg length discrepancy
- Nerve or blood vessel injury
- Implant loosening or wear over time
- Fracture around the implant (periprosthetic fracture)
- Persistent pain or stiffness
Serious complications are uncommon, and Dr. Zalikha takes specific steps to minimize each risk, including evidence-based protocols for infection prevention, blood clot prophylaxis, and precise surgical technique. Every risk is discussed in detail during your preoperative consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.
Recovery and Timeline
Recovery from hip replacement follows a general trajectory, though each patient’s experience is unique:
Day of surgery
Most patients stand and walk with assistance before leaving the hospital or surgery center.
First 1 to 2 weeks
Walking with an assistive device (walker or cane). Managing swelling and discomfort. Beginning home exercises or outpatient physical therapy.
2 to 4 weeks
Many patients begin driving (timing depends on which hip was operated on and whether narcotic pain medications have been discontinued).
6 weeks
Most patients are walking comfortably with little or no assistive device and beginning to return to light activities.
3 to 6 months
Continued improvement in strength, endurance, and confidence. Return to most recreational activities.
1 year
Full recovery for most patients. Continued gains in some cases.
For a comprehensive look at the recovery process, visit our Hip Replacement Recovery and Rehab page. Dr. Zalikha also provides specific post-operative instructions and rehab protocols for each patient.
Alternatives to Total Hip Replacement
Surgery is not the only option. Before recommending hip replacement, Dr. Zalikha ensures that appropriate nonoperative treatments have been considered:
- Physical therapy and exercise Strengthening the muscles around the hip, improving flexibility, and maintaining overall fitness are among the most effective strategies for managing arthritis symptoms. A structured physical therapy program tailored to your condition can make a real difference.
- Corticosteroid injections When oral medications and therapy are not providing enough relief, injections into the hip joint may be considered. Options include corticosteroid injections for inflammation, hyaluronic acid for lubrication, and in select cases, biologic options such as PRP. Injections are not a cure for arthritis, but they can reduce symptoms and improve function for a period of time. The appropriateness and expected benefit of each injection type is discussed individually.
- Hyaluronic acid injections Hyaluronic acid injections are FDA-approved for knee arthritis; their use in the hip is off-label, and evidence and appropriateness vary by patient and are discussed individually.
- Weight optimization The hip bears multiple times your body weight with each step. Even modest weight loss can significantly reduce joint stress and improve symptoms. Our Weight Optimization and Prehab page provides more information.
- Activity modification Switching from high-impact activities to lower-impact alternatives (swimming, cycling, elliptical) can help maintain fitness while reducing joint stress.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Zalikha
Dr. Zalikha’s practice is dedicated to hip and knee arthritis and joint replacement. He brings Stanford fellowship training, over 30 peer-reviewed publications, and a philosophy rooted in precision, honesty, and individualized care. He performs surgery at MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and the Surgery Center of Long Beach, serving patients across Long Beach, Los Angeles, and Orange County.
Cost & Insurance: Will My Plan Cover Hip Replacement?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover total hip replacement when it is medically necessary. In 2026, the Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period, and outpatient surgery falls under Part B, where you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $283 annual deductible (see the official CMS 2026 premiums and deductibles fact sheet and Medicare.gov). Whether your surgery is planned as an inpatient stay or an outpatient procedure is a medical decision based on your overall health, and it determines which part of Medicare applies.
Out-of-pocket costs vary by plan: Medigap supplemental coverage, Medicare Advantage cost-sharing, and the deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums of commercial plans all change what you will actually pay, so it is worth verifying your specific benefits with your insurer before scheduling surgery. For a deeper look at real-world prices and coverage rules, see the detailed guides Hip Replacement Cost in California and Does Medicare Cover Knee and Hip Replacement?, and bring any remaining cost questions to your consultation.
Direct Anterior Hip Replacement
Physical Therapy for Arthritis
Hip Replacement Recovery and Rehab
Weight Optimization and Prehab
Further reading: hip replacement surgery in Los Angeles on the Precision Joints blog.
*Medical Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual symptoms and conditions vary. Please consult with Dr. Zalikha or another qualified physician for a personalized evaluation and treatment plan.*