Hip Replacement
Hip replacement can help reduce chronic pain, improve function, and increase your range of motion. If your hip has been damaged by conditions like advanced arthritis, tumors, severe fractures, or traumatic injury, replacing the hip joint can provide relief.
What is hip replacement surgery?
The hip joint consists of a ball and socket – the ball at the top of your hip bone connects to the socket in your pelvis. In hip replacement surgery, a damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial one. The artificial joint is made of a ceramic ball attached to a metal stem, and a metal cup attached to the socket part of the hip. The smooth surfaces of the new joint allow smooth bending and movement. Different sizes are available to ensure the best fit for each patient.
Why is the procedure performed?
The most common reason to have this surgery is to relieve arthritis. Severe arthritis pain can limit your activities.
Most of the time, hip joint replacement is done in people age 60 and older. Many people who have this surgery are younger. Younger people who have a hip replaced may put extra stress on the artificial hip. That extra stress can cause it to wear out earlier than in older people. Part or all of the joint may need to be replaced again if that happens.
Your doctor may recommend a hip replacement for these problems:
- You can't sleep through the night because of hip pain.
- Your hip pain has not gotten better with other treatments.
- Hip pain limits or prevents you from doing your normal activities, such as bathing, preparing meals, doing household chores, and walking.
- You have problems walking that require you to use a cane or walker.
- Fractures in the thigh bone. Older adults often have a hip replacement for this reason.
- Hip joint tumors.
