Total Hip Replacement
If your hip has been damaged by arthritis, a fracture, or other conditions,
common activities such as walking or getting in and out of a chair may
be painful and difficult. Your hip may be stiff, and it may be hard to
put on your shoes and socks. You may even feel uncomfortable while resting.
If medications, changes in your everyday activities, and the use of walking
supports do not adequately help your symptoms, you may consider hip replacement
surgery. Hip replacement surgery is a safe and effective procedure that
can relieve your pain, increase motion, and help you get back to enjoying
normal, everyday activities.
Benefits of Hip Replacement
During hip replacement surgery, your problem hip joint is replaced with
an artificial joint (called a prosthesis).
Total hip replacement surgery almost always:
- Stops or greatly reduces hip pain. Even the pain from surgery should go
away within weeks.
- Increases leg strength. Without hip pain, you’ll be able to use your
legs more. This will build up your muscles.
- Improves quality of life by allowing you to do daily tasks and low-impact
activities in greater comfort.
- Provides years of easier movement. Most total hip replacements last for
many years.
Is Hip Replacement Surgery for You?
The decision to have hip replacement surgery should be a cooperative one
made by you, your family, your primary care doctor, and your orthopaedic
surgeon. The process of making this decision typically begins with a referral
by your doctor to an orthopaedic surgeon for an initial evaluation.
There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend hip replacement
surgery. People who benefit from hip replacement surgery often have:
- Hip pain that limits everyday activities, such as walking or bending
- Hip pain that continues while resting, either day or night
- Stiffness in a hip that limits the ability to move or lift the leg
- Inadequate pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy,
or walking supports