What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement, or arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the diseased parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with new, artificial parts. These artificial parts are called the prosthesis and are often made of metal and plastic. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 332,000 total hip replacements are performed in the United States each year.

Doctors often recommend surgery once the problem has progressed to the point of excruciating and constant pain, decreased mobility and impaired quality of life. Common reasons for hip surgery as a result of existing damage include childhood hip disease, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis, avascular necrosis, injury, bone tumor and fractures.

What Results Can I Expect From Hip Replacement Surgery?

The goals of hip replacement surgery include increasing mobility and activities of daily living, improving the function of the hip joint, improving quality of life, and relieving pain by replacing damaged and diseased bone and tissue with an artificial implant. Doctors usually resort to hip replacement surgery when other treatment options have failed in adequate pain reduction or relief.

Are There Alternatives to Hip Replacement Surgery?

Your doctor may want to try other methods of treatment, such as exercise, walking aids, and medication, before considering a total hip replacement, An exercise program can strengthen the muscles around the hip joint. Walking aids such as canes and walkers may alleviate some of the stress from painful, damaged hips and help you to avoid or delay surgery. Over-the-counter pain medication can help in some cases, while more severe hip pain may call for stronger, prescription pain medication. Medication comes with certain risks and is only a temporary solution to pain management.

Am I a Candidate for Hip Replacement Surgery?

It is important that you make the decision to have hip replacement surgery with your doctor and your family. Ask your doctor to refer you for an evaluation to an orthopaedic surgeon, a doctor specially trained to treat problems with the bones and joints. People who are generally healthy are the best candidates for the surgery.

People between the ages of 50 and 80 are most likely to have a hip replacement. Surgeons perform this procedure more and more as American baby boomers and seniors live longer, more active lives. More young people are getting hip replacements, typically due to sports injuries or trauma to joints. Recent studies also suggest that people who choose to have surgery before advanced joint damage occurs tend to recover more easily and have better outcomes.