Hip Replacement Surgery

 

Hip replacement surgery is an option for treating chronic pain and injury in the hip joint.

 

Causes

 

The most common factor leading to hip replacement surgery is arthritis. There are many types of arthritis, but mostinvolve pain and inflammation in the joint. Three types of arthritis are most commonly associated with hip replacement surgeries:

 

  • Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease): A condition in which the cartilage surrounding the bones of the hip joint wears down, allowing the bones to rub against each other, resulting in pain, stiffness, and loss in range of motion. Osteoarthritis is most common in people aged 50 and older, but can occur in younger patients, too.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis: A condition in which the the membrane surrounding the hip joint becomes inflamed and thickened, causing damage to cartilage and leading to pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis is common.
  • Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This condition stems from trauma, or injury, to the hip. Bone fractures or ligament tears in the hip can lead to cartilage damage and inflammation associated with arthritis.

 

Are you a candidate for hip replacement surgery?

 

Hip replacement surgery is a viable option for many cases of chronic pain and lack of mobility in the hip. It is essential to be evaluated by a qualified orthopaedic surgeonin order to make an informed decision, but some general signs that a hip replacement could be an option include:

 

  • Severe, chronic pain that impacts quality of life and inhibits everyday activities, like standing up, walking, and bending over
  • Restlessness or loss of sleep due to pain or stiffness of the hip
  • Reduced range of motion or weakness of the hip
  • Deformity or swelling in the hip that does not improve with time, rest, or treatment
  • Lack of effectiveness of other treatment options, including medication and physical therapy

 

These symptoms may be improved by a hip replacement, or they may be better addressed using medication, physical therapy, or another procedure - it is important to visit an orthopaedic doctor for an individual assessment if you experience the above symptoms.

 

About the procedure

 

In a hip replacement, the damaged bones and cartilage of the hip joint are removed and replaced with artificial components. Most commonly, these components include a ball, a socket, and a plastic liner that fits between them and provides a smooth-gliding surface.

 

The damaged femoral head is removed and replaced with the ball component, which is inserted into the hollow center of the femur and anchored in place. The damaged surface of the acetabulum (the socket of the hip joint) is removed and replaced with the metal shellcomponent. A plastic liner snaps into the metal shell.

 

Recovery

 

Hip replacement surgery typically involves a hospital stay of at least one night. Your surgeon and nurses will monitor your recovery.You and your surgeon will discuss options for pain management in the days and weeks immediately following the procedure.

 

Recovery from a hip replacement is a process that lasts several months and calls for a well-planned rehabilitation program. This will likely involve physical therapy as well as at-home exercises.

 

Schedule a consultation

 

If you or a loved one are experiencing chronic pain and lack of mobility in the hip, to the degree that it impacts quality of life, please schedule a consultation to speak with one of our orthopaedic surgeons. The symptoms may or may not require a hip replacement procedure, but the first step to recovery is evaluation by an orthopaedic surgeon..