Hip replacement is one of the most common and successful surgeries performed today. Hip replacement surgery replaces the ball-shaped head of your femur (leg bone) with a prosthetic implant that restores normal function to your hip joint. If you are suffering from advanced osteoarthritis and cannot manage the pain with medication, diet, or exercise alone, hip replacement may be right for you. The good news is that this surgery has come a long way in recent years. Newer procedures last longer and have lower reoperation rates than older versions. Let’s take a look at what is hip replacement surgery and how you know if you need one.
What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery is a surgical procedure to replace a worn-out or damaged hip joint with an artificial implant. The joint is replaced because the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones has worn away. This allows the bones to rub together and create significant pain, stiffness, and limitation in movement. Without surgery, people with advanced osteoarthritis will experience significant pain and loss of mobility.
During the procedure, your surgeon removes the damaged joint and replaces it with an artificial joint made of metal alloys and high-grade plastics. The artificial joint is usually wider than a normal hip joint, which allows for movement in all directions. The joint is secured to your pelvis with a combination of metal screws and special implants designed to fuse with your bone tissue. The surgery is performed through an incision in the front of your hip or knee. It is simpler and shorter than other joint replacement surgeries. A surgeon will replace your hip joint with a prosthetic implant.
Hip replacement surgery is performed on people who have advanced arthritis of the hip joint, have damaged cartilage and bone tissue in the hip joint, or have joint deformity or dysplasia. Hip replacement surgery is also used as a treatment after other surgeries such as a fracture, infection, or tumor removal.
How Do I Know If I Need a Hip Replacement?
The typical patient is an older adult who is experiencing pain due to advanced osteoarthritis. The pain will be cramping and debilitating, and will often limit your ability to walk and engage in daily activities. The pain may be present even while resting. There may be swelling and stiffness in the joint. X-rays and MRIs are often used to confirm that you have advanced osteoarthritis and determine the extent of your joint damage.
Other conditions that may lead you to consider a hip replacement is rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. You may also be a candidate for a hip replacement if you have had a fracture, tumor, or joint infection. Your doctor will consider all of your medical conditions and medications, plus your willingness and ability to do physical therapy.
What Are the Benefits of Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery can be an effective treatment for people who have advanced osteoarthritis and can’t get relief from non-surgical treatments. The success of the surgery depends upon many factors, including the condition of your hip joint, your overall health, and your ability to follow your doctor’s post-operative instructions. Hip replacement surgery can provide relief from debilitating joint pain, improve your ability to walk, reduce the risk of dislocation, and increase your mobility and quality of life. You may also live longer and have a better quality of life if you have the surgery. And in general, the sooner you have surgery, the better your long-term results will be.
Pros and Cons of Hip Replacement Surgery
The advantages of hip replacement surgery are that it relieves pain, reduces the risk of dislocation, and increases mobility and quality of life. Disadvantages include possible complications, high cost, and the fact that the joint may wear out again in 10 to 15 years. If you have hip replacement surgery, you may experience some short-term side effects, such as pain, swelling, and muscle spasms.
You may also have long-term side effects, such as limitations in movement and leg length discrepancy. Long-term side effects may include problems such as joint stiffness, joint instability, wear and tear on your other joints, and a higher risk of osteoarthritis in other joints such as your knee. You should discuss the possible risks and complications with your surgeon before the procedure. You should also discuss what you can expect from the surgery and recovery process and how that will impact your life.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Hip Replacement Surgery?
Anyone who has severe joint pain and limited mobility due to advanced osteoarthritis may be a good candidate for hip replacement surgery. Good candidates for hip replacement surgery are people who are willing to commit to long-term physical therapy and are compliant with medication regimens. A good candidate also has an adequate bone quality for the procedure. You may not be a good candidate for hip replacement surgery if you have other medical conditions that might interfere with your recovery. You may need to consider a different treatment option or wait until your condition has stabilized. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may need to wait until after you’ve had your baby.
Which Type of Hip Replacement is Best for Me?
Hip replacement surgery is an invasive procedure, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Like shoes, each hip replacement is unique and designed to fit your unique anatomy. There are many factors that go into deciding which type of hip replacement is best for you, including your age and overall health, the condition of your joint, and your willingness and ability to do physical therapy. Your surgeon will consider all of these factors when recommending the best type of hip replacement for you. There is no single hip replacement that is best for everyone. Some factors that your surgeon may consider when choosing the right replacement for you include your age, medical history, and other medical conditions.
How Can I Be Sure My Surgeon is Qualified and Certified?
The American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery is the organization that certifies hip replacement surgeons. You can search the ABOS website to find a surgeon in your area. You can also confirm your surgeon’s credentials by verifying that he or she is licensed in your state. And you can also call your state’s medical board for information about disciplinary actions. A good surgeon will thoroughly discuss your diagnosis, treatment options, and expected outcomes with you. Make sure to ask any questions you have about your diagnosis, treatment, and expected outcomes. You should also find out how many total hip replacement surgeries the surgeon has performed and ask for feedback from other patients.
Final Words
Hip replacement surgery is an invasive procedure that comes with some risks. You may experience short-term side effects such as pain, swelling, and muscle spasms. You may also have long-term side effects, such as limitations in movement and leg length discrepancy. Long-term side effects may include problems such as joint stiffness, joint instability, wear and tear on your other joints, and a higher risk of osteoarthritis in other joints such as your knee. Be sure to discuss the possible risks and complications with your surgeon before the procedure. You should also discuss what you can expect from the surgery and recovery process and how that will impact your life.
